Aikman's Pass Fails

[SalBac]

So former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Troy Aikman finally finished his college degree. Big deal.

But our local sportscasters had this to say:   "It's awesome that he went back and finished."   "Ya gotta respect that."   And my favorite - "What a great role model for the importance of completing your education."

WHAT?! Have we come to expect so little that finishing a college degree 20 years late is laudable? What's awesome about leaving for the NFL only two courses short of a degree? What have I gotta respect about a 42 year-old man with plenty of time and even more money finally disciplining himself enough to read a few chapters and take a couple of tests?

A great role model? I don't think so. One of my college classmates worked two jobs to pay for the full course load she carried, and walked or biked everywhere because she couldn't afford a car. Another took an extra year and a half to finish her degree because her husband died young and tragically, leaving her with a baby and not enough money. She took a semester off to figure out what to do, then worked out a babysitting co-op, took most of her classes at night, and worked at a drug store during the day. Those are role models for completing your education.

I've always had a high opinion of Aikman. I admire his athleticism, I think he's intelligent, and he seems like a decent guy. That's why I think this story is upside down. Aikman has so much going for him that I'm not willing to lower the bar for him. I'm not going to pretend this is some great accomplishment.

My reaction?  "It's about time, Troy."

[momjoy1027]

Feb. 11, 2009 at 11:55 AM

I totally agree.