Student Athlete

About Student Athlete

"Student Athlete" is a 2018 HBO documentary that highlights the exploitation of collegiate athletes by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). It's a profound look at issues facing student-athletes such as the enormous revenue generated from college games, the lack of pay for those who participate, and the struggles they face in balancing academics and sports. The film gives an intimate view into the lives of several students taking different routes in their quest for success.

Making / Production

This documentary was co-directed by Trish Dalton and Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy. The film was executive produced by LeBron James, Maverick Carter, Steve Stoute, and was an HBO Sports presentation. Production started in 2017, collecting experiences from different student-athletes across America.

Actors

• John Shoop played himself, a former college football coach who sheds light on the issues within college athletics.
• Silas Nacita, a former college football player, played himself, sharing personal stories of the exploitation he faced.
• Nick Horton also played himself, a manager of an up and coming basketball player.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The film reveals that the NCAA system uses the term ‘student-athlete’ to avoid paying workers' compensation for injuries.
• Athletes are often pushed to pick less challenging majors to ensure they remain eligible to play.
• Many athletes end up living below the poverty line despite the revenue they generate for their schools.

Quotes

• “Everyone has this goal to get to the NCAA, yet they treat us like this.” - Silas Nacita
• “People say, ‘You get a free education,’ but if you really sit down and think about it, they're not there for school, they're there for sports.” - John Shoop

Music, Soundtrack

The film doesn't have a conventional soundtrack. Instead, it uses ambient music and sound effects to heighten the tension and drama of the scenes, allowing viewers to focus more on the narrative and the personal stories of the athletes.