Benefits and Detriments of African American Male Athletes' Participation in a Big-Time College Football Program

The purpose of this pilot study was to assess the nature and status of four African American male athletes' educational experiences as participants in a big-time college football program at a predominantly white institution of higher education (PWIHE) in the United States of America. A focus gr...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:International review for the sociology of sport 2008-12, Vol.43 (4), p.399-408
Main Author: Singer, John N.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
African Americans
Athletes
Athletic directors
College football
College Sports
Higher Education
Participation
Pilot projects
Psychosocial factors
United States of America
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Summary:The purpose of this pilot study was to assess the nature and status of four African American male athletes' educational experiences as participants in a big-time college football program at a predominantly white institution of higher education (PWIHE) in the United States of America. A focus group and individual interviews revealed that although these African American males felt that they derived certain tangible and intangible benefits from being participants in this football program, the term `student-athlete' was an inaccurate description of who they are, especially given the expectations and tremendous time demands their participation in football related activities placed on them. These general findings are discussed in terms of their implications for future research in college sport.
ISSN:1012-6902
1461-7218
DOI:10.1177/1012690208099874