Athletes and Literacy — Through the Eyes of an Expert - Brief Article

Black Issues in Higher Education, Jan 6, 2000

Dr. Ernie Turner was a professional football player for the Dallas Texans, a team that later became the Kansas City Chiefs. He left Virginia State University in 1961, some 12 courses short of receiving his degree and, by his own account, lacking many academic skills. Today however, he holds a doctorate from Fordham University and is the founder and president of Sports Educational Consultants, which works with professional athletes and their wives in their efforts to complete their education. Black Issues asked Turner to share his thoughts on the ongoing issue of athletes and education in light of the James Brooks situation. The following is excerpted from that conversation.

BI How common is illiteracy among professional athletes?

ET It is more common than you think. More than 75 percent of professional athletes do not have a degree. Many of them have been to college but did not finish. There are a lot more James Brookses out there than you think.

BI Where does it begin?

ET It goes back to families. You've got to get these athletes to look realistically at life. My mother tried like the dickens to help me. Today, I hear people talking about Whites exploiting Blacks and that does happen but at some point these athletes have to take responsibility for their lives.

BI What about the role of team owners?

ET Most owners don't concern themselves with this issue. Head coaches are the ones who can have an influence. But most head coaches do not want someone like me around. When they can keep an athlete educationally depressed, they can control him better.

BI What do you think of programs like Auburn's Follow Through Completion Program?

ET These programs are good if the athlete takes advantage of them. Colleges have to have them if for no other reason than to save face. But you've got to remember the embarrassment factor for the athletes. These guys have been out there as celebrities -- they didn't do that well in the first place and now you're asking them to come back and expose their shortcomings. Most of them made Ds and Fs, incompletes and withdrawals during their last year of eligibility so they really have an uphill battle to graduate.

BI What about distance education's role?

ET A lot of these problems can be resolved with technology. It has been a very useful tool in my work.