In 1998, when Richmond High School basketball coach Ken Carter kept his entire team from practicing and competing in games until they improved their grades. The result was an improvement in grades and overall athletic achievement. The incident gained national recognition. I believe having a strict probation policy is the best way to increase a student's academic performance. The objective is for the student to realize athletics is secondary.
Sports are extracurricular activities, just like dancing and band.
Athletes are students, just like everyone else. And, they must learn in high school to balance both academics and sports.