Should Diddy’s Son Give Back His Scholarship?
UCLA is standing by its decision to award Justin Combs an athletic scholarship worth $54,000.
The 18-year-old son of Sean “P. Diddy” Combs was the star cornerback of Iona Prep (New Rochelle, NY) and entertained offers from several Division 1-A schools before committing to play football for the Bruins next fall. Although the scholarship was based upon his performance on the field, folks are demanding that Justin, who reportedly graduated with 3.75 GPA, give up the scholarship so that the money can be allocated to a student with a greater financial need.
Despite the University of California’s financial problems, UCLA issued statement supporting their football program’s decision to give Combs an athletic scholarship.
“Unlike need-based scholarships, athletic scholarships are awarded to students strictly on the basis of their athletic and academic ability — not their financial need,” the statement read. “Athletic scholarships, such as those awarded to football or basketball players, do not rely on state funds. Instead, these scholarships are entirely funded through UCLA Athletics ticket sales, corporate partnerships, media contracts and private donations from supporters.
“Each year, UCLA awards the equivalent of approximately 285 full athletic scholarships to outstanding student-athletes. The scholarships are used by the UCLA Department of Intercollegiate Athletics to pay students’ tuition and fees, as well as room and board. In this respect, UCLA is no different from the overwhelming majority of Division I institutions.”
It’s not as if this is a scholarship Justin Combs didn’t earn by his play on the field. And it’s not the first time the child of wealthy parents has been given a scholarship.
Was it inappropriate for UCLA to award Justin Combs a scholarship?
Should Justin feel compelled give back his scholarship because of his father’s celebrity status?
Sound off below!