Another graduation speech

Life lessons for those expecting a free ride

It is graduation time again, and so, as the strains of Pomp and Circumstance fade, I begin my speech to the high school athletes who are graduating and going to college on athletic scholarships:

Mr. Principal, faculty, reverend clergy, Mr. Athletic Director, coaches, college scouts, boosters, friends, family ... athletes,

You boys and girls are lucky. You've been going to school with many classmates who are just as talented as you are in their extra-curricular activities. They sing or act or write for the school newspaper. They paint or play a musical instrument or dance. They've worked just as hard at what they do as you have at sports. They love doing what they do in their spare time just as much as you love playing games. Many of them, in fact, are better at acting or writing or painting than you are at football or basketball. You're very lucky that, for all the wrong reasons, colleges in the United States prize sports more than art or music.

But that is not your fault. That is just your heritage. So take advantage of this prejudice. Remember, though, that while you're going to college on scholarship because you are an athlete, you are still -- foremost -- a student.

So, yes, work hard at your sport. You owe that to the school that's given you this wonderful scholarship. But when the games and the practices are over, work just as hard at studying.

Don't take just the snap courses so you can stay eligible.

Every term, in fact, take one course in a subject you really don't know anything about. Take a philosophy course, or a religion course, or one in economics or Shakespeare.

Get to know one professor well. If you possibly can, get to know one who doesn't like sports. This will serve two purposes. You'll be getting close to a person who doesn't think of you as a jock, and that person will learn that all jocks aren't narrow, dumb bunnies.

In your offseason, don't just lift weights. Join a club. Get involved in student government. Or just sign up to be a volunteer for a charity. Help feed the homeless. Be a mentor to an underpriviledged kid. It's your choice, but do something different ... and satisfying.

If somebody tells you that you have to take steroids or some other drug to succeed -- because everybody is doing it -- well, be somebody else.

If you want to join a fraternity or a sorority, fine. But don't join a jock fraternity. You've already done that. It's called a team. Find a different group for your social life.

Don't expect to make the pros. You can dream. Sure. Hey, the student in the college play dreams she's going to win an Academy Award one day. But don't count on the pros. I hate to tell you, but you're really not as good as you think you are. Plan on something else in life. That is: Study and get a degree.

Now, if you really turn out to be a No. 1 draft choice and somebody is going to pay you $8 million to run the football or make jump shots, fine, then you can leave school early. But remember, like Shaquille O'Neal and Vince Carter -- remember to come back and finish. So, athletes, as you graduate from high school and go off to college, don't forget: You're lucky to be getting a free ride, but you should still be driving your life away from the playing field. Godspeed. (Cue Pomp and Circumstance)

Sports Illustrated senior contributing writer Frank Deford is a regular contributor to CNNSI.com and appears each Wednesday on National Public Radio's Morning Edition. His new novel, The Other Adonis (Sourcebooks Landmark), is available now at bookstores everywhere.

The opinions expressed here are solely those of the writer.

 

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