College student perceptions of preferential treatment of college athletes

ABSTRACT

Though the NCAA and its member institutions engage in efforts to address the negative perceptions of intercollegiate athletics, recent scandals surrounding college athletes might be undermining these efforts. Therefore, the purpose of the current study was to examine the perceptions that individuals held about intercollegiate athletics. Specifically, this study focused on the perception that college athletes receive preferential treatment, or athletic preference. Additionally, this study also sought to identify strategies for modifying or altering perceptions of athletic preference. Survey research design was used to elicit college students’ (n = 382) perceptions related to athletic preference. Findings suggest that students believe college athletes receive academic, social, and financial preferences. Further, participants indicated that these perceptions can potentially be addressed if academics are increasingly emphasized and if students and athletes are treated equitably. Practical implications and recommendations for intercollegiate athletics professional are discussed.

KEYWORDS:

• College athletics
• student-athletes
• money
• academics
• athletic preference
• NCAA
• privilege
• stereotypes

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Notes on contributors

Dr Rhema Fuller is an Associate Professor of Sport and Leisure Management in the Kemmons Wilson School of Hospitality and Resort Management at the University of Memphis. His research interest includes the intersection of diversity, higher education, and college athletics. Communications can be directed to [email protected].

Dr S. Malia Lawrence is a part-time instructor in the Kinesiology Department at California State University in Fullerton, CA, and serves as an adjunct for the Sports Leadership program at Concordia University of Chicago. Her research interests include leadership in college athletics, stereotypes surrounding athleticism, and the career transition of college athletes.

Dr C. Keith Harrison is Associate Professor and Associate Chair for Faculty, Research, and Academic Affairs for the DeVos Sport Business Management Program at the University of Central Florida in the College of Business Administration. His research interests include identity development in athletes and inclusion issues related to gender and race relations in education, business, sport, and entertainment.

Dr Jeff Eyanson is an Adjunct Professor at California State University in Fullerton, CA, and San Diego Christian College in Santee, CA. His research interests include football coaches’ experiences in the pregame ritual, football player’s experiences of concussions, and burnout of female volleyball players.

Dr Whitney Griffin is on the editorial board of the Journal of Higher Education Athletics and Innovation. Her research interests include academic learning and learning disabilities in young adults, neurorehabilitation medicine, racial equity, and collegiate athletics.