Why do University of Minnesota athletes need their own academic center?

Just won't do. (AlexiusHoratius via WikimediaCommons)
wilson-library
Just won't do. (AlexiusHoratius via WikimediaCommons)

Here's what University of Minnesota Athletic Director Norwood Teague had to say on this morning's Daily Circuit when host Tom Weber asked him why athletes needed their own (privately funded) academic center -- and don't just go to the library or some other place to study:

"We demand a lot out of our student athletes, and we want to serve them as best we can. So to have an academic facility that would have computer labs, tutoring areas, study areas, and offices for our academic advisers is needed. Every school in the Big Ten just about has a stand-alone academic building for their athletes that is a great recruiting tool and a great way to serve them. Because we ask a lot of them to represent our university."

Compare that answer with the point raised at the regents' meeting regarding athletes' integration -- or lack thereof -- into university life.

You can listen to the interview by clicking on the box up top.

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