MYTHS OF THE STUDENT ATHLETE

Kevin Ware's Broken Leg and the Orgin of the "Student-Athlete" Myth 

Travis Waldron
Think Progress
February 1, 2013

The gruesome injury that left many college basketball fans running for the garbage can, only raises more concern to the protection of college athletes. All student athletes in the NCAA on any level are required to have their own insurance before they are able to step on any playing surface. The players insurance covers any cost for doctor visits, therapy and surgeries that maybe needed by the athlete and the institutions insurance will cover any additional costs. This can still raise premiums of players families insurance all the while not being able to claim any workman's compensation. Don't be confused this should be classified as a work related injury, college athletics especially division 1 are part / full time jobs no doubt. 

A lawsuit of a former Fort Lewis A&M Aggie died after a hit to the head he received while playing football, his widow filed for workmen's compensation death benefits but was not rewarded when the court found that because he played for the school did not make him and employee of the school, that a scholarship was not a form of payment for his services to the university. Schools in many cases grant athletic scholarships on a yearly basis and if a student athlete cannot compete the following season due to injury there is no guarantee to the player that he will have his scholarship renewed the following season. Colleges, universities and the NCAA need to find a more effective way to protect and compensate student athletes better on and off the field.