Despite criticism, U-L Lafayette Football Coach Billy Napier says he still wants his scholarship players to give 50-dollars annually to the Ragin Cajuns Athletic Foundation, which raises funds for the athletic department. Napier says his goal is to create a culture where players are grateful for the opportunity.
“This is a simple gesture on behalf of our players to say thank you to all of the people out there that have been given back to this place and put these young men in this position to where they can live out their dream of playing college football and getting their college education,” said Napier.
Napier says if a player can’t afford the 50 dollars or has a problem with giving money to the R-C-A-F, he’ll cover the cost. He says giving 50-dollars is just a nice gesture to support a foundation that makes the student-athlete experience great.
“We’re talking about $50 a year for four years, $204.25 a month, 17-cents a day to basically say thank you to the people who have contributed to their experience and opportunity,” said Napier.
But critics say how can you ask a student-athlete who isn’t getting paid and helping to bring thousands of dollars to an athletic program contribute to a school’s booster club. Napier says none of his players have told him they have a problem with it, so he’ll move forward with the policy.
“I do think it’s something we’ll continue to do and I think it’s going to be good for our players to be educated about that process and have perspective and not feel entitled and know it’s a privilege to be a student-athlete,” said Napier.
