Quite surprisingly, the shock and fury over the recent college basketball/shoe scandal seems to have settled down. After the initial series of accusations about cash payments to basketball recruits and FBI revelations from wiretaps, most bystanders figured there was a lot more to disclose. After all, it is hard to imagine that these were isolated incidents at a few universities. Most people who follow college sports thought that many major perennial powers could be involved. As in most cases, the likely answers to questions surrounding the scandal could probably be found by following the money trail. The big picture appears to be that shoe companies generating outlandish profits, supporting some college coaches who are making millions, are dependent on elite players, These players are often from meager backgrounds, thus increasing their vulnerability to monetaiy persuasion. It is also plausible that shoe companies were planning on contracting these athletes once they became professionals. So how did this scenario develop? How did shoe companies become so profitable and influential in college sports? Well, shoes are not just another apparel item anymore. Next to music, shoes have become a status symbol and sign of the times. Interestingly, the Converse All Stars of yesteryear seem to be making a comeback on campus. Shoes are not just important to athletes-just check out the local high school to see what's important to today's youth! Unfortunately, stylish shoe wear has become so important in some places that highly desirable sneakers have cost kids their lives.
展开▼
