Jalen Rose played 16 seasons in the NBA. Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

Jalen Rose: Student-athletes 'should be able to major in sports'

By Blake Harper | Last updated 5/26/20

Jalen Rose says that student-athletes "should be able to major in sports while they're in college," as he believes too many athletes are unprepared for the real world after college.

The former NBA player shared his view on ESPN's "Get Up" Tuesday morning in response to Reggie Bush's remarks about how allowing college athletes to receive money would "destroy some people."

"Well, money is the root of all evil, so a lot of that, to me, is obvious," Rose said. "When money is involved, it will destroy a lot of people."

Rose said that for young athletes in college, all they are told to do is focus on their respective sport in order to become "a master of your craft and for me." However, Rose revealed that this approach dooms many student-athletes when it comes to preparing for the future.

"But you know what else is just as important when you become a young adult and a professional?" Rose asked. "Literacy you have in other areas that you're gonna need to unlock as you become a professional and an entrepreneur."

"These young athletes should be able to major in sports while they're in college. ... Not having these young people taking ballet or basket weaving. Teach them how to manage their money and their situation."@JalenRose on Reggie Bush's comments about paying college athletes. pic.twitter.com/WgJRQFithV
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) May 26, 2020

While becoming the best you can be at your sport is important, Rose said it's just as important to understand everything else that comes with professional sports, including understanding the business side of things.

"You're now going to be employing your family and friends," Rose explained. "You're going to have an entourage. You're going to have a staff."

Rose believes student-athletes would benefit from being able to major in sports. What would that entail? According to Rose, athletes would be taught to have financial literacy, as well as learning the skills for jobs that exist in the sports world other than being one of the athletes, such as trainer or doctor.

"When you get to college, they should be educating you on all things," Rose said. "Not having these young people taking ballet or basket weaving. Teach them how to manage their money and their situation."

More must-reads: