USC athletic director Pat Haden has created a new speaker series to elevate the conversation around collegiate athletics. To that end, in association with the USC Price School of Public Policy, he welcomed Dr. Condoleezza Rice, a fellow CFB Playoff committee member and former Stanford Provost overseeing the athletic department, to talk about governance in college sports.
The former Secretary of State pulled no punches, preaching integrity from the top down. She believes so strongly in the student-athlete model that she would support the idea of Stanford pulling out of Division I if college athletes decide to form a players' union.
"I don't think student-athletes are or should be considered employees," said Rice. "That, to me, is a complete reversal of the entire concept of college athletics."
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With that said, Rice, along with Haden, discussed many ideas to improve the overall welfare of the student-athlete. Rice is in favor of four-year guaranteed scholarships and paying the full cost of attendance, and Haden would like to see the student-athletes given more time off to garner an all-around college experience.
Here are John McGillen's photos of the night:
University Southern California Trojans
Wednesday, July 08
Wednesday, July 08
Wednesday, July 08
Monday, July 06
