The truth is that many institutions have to rely on using funds generated from athletics to pay for general academic programs. For other campuses, the bitter feelings erupt claiming that the athletics' program is given preferential treatment compared to the academic units of the campus. Athletics are becoming increasingly expensive programs for building ties with alumni, community and prospective students. Whatever your feelings are, athletics serve a very important role on a college campus. They need the support of the fans.
Many college students feel that student athletes are given preferential treatment.
Think about the extra expectations that are put on student athletes. The academic pressure. The physical strain. The emotional stress. In order to be an athlete, a student is required to maintain a certain grade point average.