Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Houston Texans starting running back Arian Foster has admitted to taking cash payments his senior season at Tennessee. Foster played for the Vols 2005-08. He stated that he was not afraid of the NCAA and it was time to be an advocate for college athletes.
“I don’t know if this will throw us into an NCAA investigation — my senior year, I was getting money on the side,” Foster said in a statement. “I really didn’t have any money. I had to either pay the rent or buy some food. I remember the feeling of like, ‘Man, be careful.’ But there’s nothing wrong with it. And you’re not going to convince me that there is something wrong with it.”
Let’s be honest, who is surprised? Players taking money has become a common occurrence. While Foster’s admission sheds more light on these types of transactions, it may not sit well with the NCAA, especially when it comes to Tennessee. Although it has been several years since Foster has been with the Vols, the constant revelations of allegations and admissions from current and former Vols players is not good for the program.
Obviously, Foster doesn’t think what he did was wrong, as many other players have felt the same in the past. Foster backed up his statement saying that student athletes are like employees, and employees get paid.
Frank, but correct. These players put their bodies on the line every week for the fans, who are just ready for a hard-hitting, exciting game. It is pretty much their job to play hard, try to win and entertain a crowd. Foster is only adding to the dialogue of scrutiny towards the NCAA.
Maybe this is a chance for the NCAA to review their own policies, rather than investigate transactions that are long gone and punishing the current program.
