Watch Schooled: The Price of College Sports

Schooled: The Price of College Sports is a thought-provoking documentary from 2013 that delves into the world of college sports and the controversial debate surrounding whether or not intercollegiate athletes should be paid for their participation. Narrated by actor Kevin Anderson, the film features interviews with a variety of individuals, including prominent sports pundits such as Jay Bilas and renowned author Taylor Branch, who offer their perspectives on the topic.

The movie explores the history of college sports in the United States, tracing its roots back to the late 1800s and examining how it evolved into the billion-dollar industry it is today. Along the way, the film examines the role of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) in regulating college sports and the various controversies that have arisen over the years.

One of the biggest questions the movie explores is whether or not college athletes should be compensated for their participation in revenue-generating sports such as football and basketball. Many argue that without these athletes, the NCAA would not be able to generate the vast sums of money it does, yet the athletes themselves receive no financial compensation beyond their scholarships.

The documentary features interviews with a number of athletes who highlight the physical and emotional toll that participating in college sports can take on their bodies and their lives. The film examines the issue of medical coverage for these athletes and the difficulties they face in receiving adequate care when they suffer injuries that will affect them for the rest of their lives.

Another key focus of the movie is the racial and economic disparities that exist within college sports. The film explores the issue of exploitation of Black athletes, who are often from lower-income backgrounds and who may not have had the same opportunities as their white counterparts. This exploitation is magnified by the fact that many Black athletes come from underfunded schools and may not have access to the same resources as athletes from more affluent areas.

Schooled: The Price of College Sports also takes a critical look at the NCAA's amateurism rules and how they have contributed to a system that often seems to prioritize the financial interests of the NCAA over the well-being of its athletes. The documentary questions whether these rules are fair to the athletes and whether they are in line with the NCAA's status as a nonprofit organization.

Throughout the film, the various interviewees offer their opinions on how the college sports system can be fixed. Some argue that athletes should be paid for their participation, while others suggest that scholarships should be expanded to provide better support for athletes in areas such as healthcare and life skills training. Still, others argue that a complete overhaul of the system may be necessary to ensure that athletes are treated fairly and that the NCAA's focus is shifted away from generating revenue and towards supporting the needs of its athletes.

Overall, Schooled: The Price of College Sports is a fascinating and thought-provoking documentary that offers a critical look at the world of college sports in the United States. From the exploitation of athletes to the racial and economic disparities that exist within the system, the film challenges viewers to consider the true cost of college sports and what can be done to address the issues that exist within it.

Schooled: The Price of College Sports is a 2013 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 25 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.8.