Self-Serving Publicity? Or Good-Natured Intentions?

The University of Georgia has extended a scholarship to a soccer player who may not be able to play. They indicate that despite her medical condition, Caroline Simpson is welcome to come to her freshman year in any capacity.

I confess that my first thought after reading this article was, “that’s some well-aimed publicity for the school,” but I shouldn’t assume that there were ulterior motives here. From all accounts, Ms. Simpson is an excellent addition to any college soccer team, when she’s on her game, and the chances of her relapsing during college are, while high, still acceptable for a player of her caliber.

I think it shows enormous grit and gumption for a coach to make a decision like this, in today’s what-have-you-done-for-me-since-breakfast culture, and I applaud him.

Comments

6 responses to “Self-Serving Publicity? Or Good-Natured Intentions?”

  1. Tom Avatar

    Wegener’s has been mentioned on House more than a few times as a possible diagnosis. Now I know what it is.

    I think the initial intent of coach was good-natured and then someone realized it could be good publicity for the school.

  2. Bill Avatar

    That’s right! I forgot that Wegener’s was one of the obscure-sounding diseases that crops up so unexpectedly in Princeton, NJ!

    I stopped watching House after the first season. I couldn’t deal with the formula anymore.

  3. Ken Avatar

    In the season finale of House, he ejected his entire differential diagnosis team. I kept asking my wife, “did NBC not renew episodes for next season? WHY are they doing this?”

    I’m curious how next season will be. Is this a reset where House can find obscure diseases while going through character conflict with unknown characters, or will they actually change the formula? (“House Classic” and “House” a’la Coca-Cola? 😉

    How long do you think Ms. Simpson will receive her scholarship? Will it be so altruistic when she loses it after her first (second or third) relapse?

  4. Ginger Avatar
    Ginger

    “How long do you think Ms. Simpson will receive her scholarship? Will it be so altruistic when she loses it after her first (second or third) relapse? ”

    I’m Caroline’s mom & can’t believe I stumbled into this exchange. I hope Caroline doesn’t.

  5. Bill Avatar

    Ginger, I don’t believe any of the comments are intended as a slight on your daughter. In fact, I believe that everyone here thinks your daughter has shown enormous strength of character to accomplish what she has despite her medical condition. We have been merely speculating about the state of society and the monetization of college sports. Given the sparse nature of news reporting (which this blog post was based on) I can only apologize if I’ve misinterpreted the facts. I hope Caroline has a successful soccer career at UGA and that she remains in remission for the rest of her days.

  6. Ginger Avatar

    thx for your response. I now understand what your point was & sorry I took it the wrong way. Look forward to checking in with your sight in the future!

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