Jim Brown is blasting the the oft condemned NCAA as “the most reprehensible organization God ever created.”
The outspoken NFL Hall of Fame running back and noted social activist branded the collegiate athletics governing body as such during a Pro Football Hall of Fame Fan Fest roundtable discussion that included fellow former NFL stars Barry Sanders and Harry Carson.
“Total exploitation,” he added. “The kind of money make, the kind of life they live, it’s embarrassing.”
Long criticized for its treatment of student-athletes, the NCAA has recently come under renewed fire given its behind-the-scenes push to have the NBA age limit raised from 19 to 20 and UConn men’s hoops champion Shabazz Napier’s recent claims that there were many nights when he and his teammates went to bed hungry during their drive for a national title this season.
Considered by many to be the best running back that ever played, Brown added if he had his way he would gut the entire system and start all over in putting it back together with widespread input from the student-athlete.
“I’m totally for change and total change,” he said. “And I think that body needs to be torn apart and put back together with everybody’s best interests in mind.”
The 78-year-old Brown later added part of his reasoning for being so publicly harsh is fueled by his hopes that the NCAA will be moved to do what he considers the right thing. In the wake of Napier’s revelation, the NCAA recently announced an unlimited meal plan for student-athletes. But given the organization’s annual intake of hundreds of millions in profits that would seem hardly enough to quiet the likes of Brown.
Brown played nine NFL seasons for the Cleveland Browns before abruptly announcing his retirement. A nine time Pro Bowler and eight time rushing champion, overall he rushed for 12, 312 yards and 106 touchdowns, 2,499 receiving yards and 20 more scores.
