Ex-Lion Chris Spielman has strong message for college athletes From The Detroit News: http://detnews.com/article/20110531/SPORTS0203/105310392/Ex-Lion-Chris-Spielman-has-strong-message-for-college-athletes#ixzz1PRqitD3z

The turmoil at The Ohio State University has caused many of the people that know me to ask how happy it makes me.  The reality is, while anything that helps Michigan is good, it hurts everyone.  Chris Spielman is one of my favorite football players of all time.  It is of no surprise that someone who played with such passion and intensity, saw his wife step by step through a devastating disease, and has always worked to be the best at everything he does would be so blunt about doing it the right way.  His recent message about the actions of the Buckeye football players is one everyone should take to heart.  As expected, Spielman tells it like it is. And should be.

Last Updated: May 31. 2011 1:00AM

Ex-Lion Chris Spielman has strong message for college athletes

The Detroit News

Chris Spielman, an All-American linebacker at Ohio State and Pro Bowl player for the Lions, has a strong message for college football players who run afoul of NCAA rules:

Learn to live within your means.

Spielman, 45, was a guest on Frank Beckmann's show on WJR-AM 760 on Tuesday and his contempt for players who accept benefits from overzealous boosters was evident.

Beckmann raised the issue to Spielman by quoting former Ohio State defensive end Robert Rose, who told Sports Illustrated he traded school memorabilia for tattoos.

"I knew how much money thatthe school was making," Rose told the magazine. "I always heard about how Ohio State hadthe biggest Nike budget. I was struggling, my mom was struggling. … It was just something that I had to do."

Beckmann pointed out that the Big Ten has considered giving athletes additional money to cover living expenses such as travel to home.

This is how Spielman responded:

"I wouldn't mind a stipend for players. If the Big Ten wants to add a stipend … fine. But here's what I would say to any player:

"OK, you're struggling with money. How about this. How about you rent an apartment with four guys, to cut down on your living expenses. How about not getting the latest, greatest smart phone. How about not downloading 100 dollars or 50 dollars worth of iTunes. How about going to a discount retailer and getting a coat and a tie and wearing that every week. How about not driving a (nice) car; get a used beater for a thousand bucks.

"How about doing things the right way. How about sharing rides. Let's do that instead of thinking that you're owed something.

"See my problem is we live — and we've got to be careful as parents — in a very narcissistic society because everybody believes they're owed something. Because we have Facebook and all these social networks and everybody thinks they're a freaking star: Let's post pictures online so everyone can see my great accomplishments.

"So until we get guys to realize it's not about them, it's about the team … And it's OK to suffer a little bit financially while you're in school, and you're going to be better for it. Then kids will make better decisions.

"But don't whine to me about money when you're getting free money already (scholarship, living expenses). We'll give you a little extra. But, hey, sacrifice on the clothes, the cars, the electronic toys. And maybe go without a PlayStation or an Xbox for a while, too. See how that works."