Collection:LPB

Genre: Panel

Place Covered: Louisiana

Copyright Holder: Louisiana Educational Television Authority

Date Issued: 2011-12-28

Duration: 00:56:00

Subjects: Filmed panel discussions | College sports | College athletes | HIGHER EDUCATION

Contributors:

• Courtney, Beth Host
• Scott, Robert Travis Host
• Godoy, Al Producer
• Gautreaux, Kevin Producer
• Risher, Alan Interviewee
• Llorens, James Interviewee
• Lombardi, John Interviewee
• Waters, Wright Interviewee
• Chakrabarty, Prosanta Interviewee
• Boudreaux, Roy Speaker
• Messina, Clare Speaker
• Ryals, John Speaker
• Gunning, Rosemary Speaker
• Hulbert, David Speaker
• Pursley, Tyler Speaker
• Francois, Kelly Speaker
• Sandifer, Clyde Speaker
• Baker, Tucker Speaker
• Long, Christiaan Speaker
• Atkins, Yusuf Speaker
• McGraw, Norris Speaker
• Conner, Oren Speaker
• Beckwood, Jerry Speaker
• Stiltner, Richard Speaker
• Wray, Gerald Speaker
• Bernett, Raymond Speaker
• Randall, Marcus Panelist
• Bernardi, Rob Panelist
• Miles, Kenneth Panelist

This episode of the series “Louisiana Public Square” from December 28, 2011, features Robert Travis Scott leading a discussion between the audience members and panelists on the relationship between college athletics and academics in Louisiana. A background report, including interviews with former LSU quarterback Alan Risher, Southern University Chancellor James Llorens, LSU System President John Lombardi, and Sun Belt Conference Commissioner Wright Waters, precedes the discussion. The audience members discuss: whether college athletes are treated like amateur athletes or professional athletes; whether colleges should pay athletes; and whether a successful athletic program can benefit the academic programs at a college or university. A panel of experts then joins the audience to answer their questions. The panelists are: Marcus Randall, a former quarterback at LSU; Rob Bernardi, the athletic director at Nicholls State University in Thibodaux; and Kenneth Miles, the executive director of the LSU Cox Communications Academic Center for Student-Athletes. They discuss: whether colleges should pay athletes; making academics a priority for athletes; making athletic programs affordable for colleges and universities; the graduation rates of student-athletes; the NCAA’s proposal to provide stipends to student-athletes in addition to their scholarships; the funding for athletic and academic programs; and what you can learn by playing sports. Hosts: Beth Courtney and Robert Travis Scott