Academic and Career Advancement for Black Male Athletes at NCAA Division I Institutions

Abstract

This chapter examines the structural arrangements and challenges many Black male athletes encounter as a result of their use of sport for upward social mobility. Recommendations to enhance their preparation and advancement are provided.

Concussion! Friday Night Lights and Informed Consent—A Commentary

“…In fact, some parents perceive scholarships for football and other high impact sports as the key to paying for college . Alternatively, some parents place greater emphasis on sports participation than academics as a means of attaining upward mobility …”

The Division I men's basketball transfer redshirt requirement : hurting or helping black student-athletes?

“…However, many NCAA member schools fail to do so for Black male student-athletes. Black male student-athletes consistently underperform academically when compared to their White teammates as indicated in APR rates and graduation rates (Baker & Hawkins, 2016;Bolen, Rezek, & Pitts, 2017).…”

“…Critical race theory frequently provides the theoretical framework in sport management research (Baker & Hawkins, 2016;Cooper & Hawkins, 2014;Hawkins, 2010;Hylton, 2005;Long et al, 2000). Cooper and Hawkins (2014), in particular, used CRT as a theoretical framework to examine the impact of race and racism on the experiences of student-athletes who transferred from PWIs to HBCUs.…”

“…Division I member schools granted autonomy by the NCAA Board of Directors in 2014 (Mandel, 2014). Black male student-athletes are overrepresented in student-athlete population on campuses, particularly on high-profile sport rosters, but are underrepresented by the general student body population (Baker & Hawkins, 2016;Cooper & Hawkins, 2014). Black student-athletes play the predominant role in college athletics as it grows and prospers as they simultaneously experience the system exploiting their athletic abilities at the expense of receiving disproportionate educational opportunities (Baker & Hawkins, 2016;Singer, 2016).…”

“…Critical race theory and its ideologies of race and racism in society have frequently provided adept analysis in sport management research (Baker & Hawkins, 2016;Cooper & Hawkins, 2014;Hawkins, 2010;Hylton, 2005;Long et al, 2000).…”