The NCAA proposes more academic standards

The NCAA board has proposed a new rule that would require college athletes to attend summer school if their grades are not in order. The proposal is as follows:

Incoming freshmen [are required] to have their academic records assessed by university officials. Those in need of additional classwork would have to take at least six credit hours during summer school, earning at least three credits, to become eligible in the fall.

In addition, school officials would have to reassess the academic records of players at the end of each school year and determine whether additional summer classes are needed.

This isn't necessarily a groundbreaking ruling, as many players actually do head to campus early to get ahead on their class schedules and start working out with their teammates. But there is a catch.

Those players would be allowed to attend eight hours of strength and conditioning training a week, with two of those hours being used on skill work. If this rule goes into effect, how long will it take for every coach in the country to figure out that he can spend eight weeks working his players out in the summer if he makes them enroll in this program?

I like this rule.

Coaches have long wanted more time with their athletes in the summer. By keeping them on campus and working them out, coaches can try and limit the outside influences on these players. Where do you think Marcus Morris is going to have more pressure from agents and runners and other hangers-on -- Lawrence, KS, or home in Philly?

It is also a good way to get players ahead on classes. During the season, basketball teams travel so much and play so many big games -- especially in February and March -- that it becomes very difficult to carry the normal course-load. If these kids can break it up a little bit and get some of their credit hours done in the summertime, isn't that a good thing? Wouldn't that help more players graduate early or on time? And for freshman, coming in and taking summer classes while having a mandated workout schedule -- essentially the lite version of what their next four years will be like -- should help prepare them for the rigors of collegiate basketball.

The program is eight weeks long. Most schools have about a twelve week break for summer. That still means there is a month's time for the players to get home and see their family, to relax, to take a vacation, to do what every college kid looks forward to during the summer months.