The Business of Amateurs

Director Bob DeMars, who played football for the University of Southern California but was forced to quit after suffering a serious neck injury in 2001, is clearly the right person to helm this documentary on the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and the business of college sports. DeMars outlines how the NCAA generates billions of dollars annually while being largely indifferent towards the health risks faced by college athletes—particularly the degenerative brain disease “chronic traumatic encephalopathy” (CTE), which was detailed in the recent Will Smith film Concussion. DeMars profiles late CTE victims Scott Ross and Junior Seau—the latter died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound following the severe deterioration of his health. Also interviewed are Robert Cantu and Chris Nowinski of the Concussion Legacy Foundation, who provide cogent explanations of sports-based brain injuries. The film also examines how the NCAA ruthlessly prevents college athletes from having any share of the massive profits generated by college sports, and looks at the legal victory of UCLA basketball player Ed O'Bannon, who sued the NCAA for using his likeness without permission. Both harrowing and enlightening, this documentary should spark discussion about the ethical aspects of profit-based academic sports. Highly recommended. Aud: C, P. (P. Hall)