This news needs to be broadcast to every black youth in America: a big-time college football player is a Rhodes Scholar, arguably the most-high-profile athlete to get the honor since Bill Bradley in the 1960s (hat tip: Donklephant). Myron Rolle, a 22-year-old safety for Florida State University, interviewed and later earned the honor in Birmingham, Alabama, on Saturday. The aspiring neurosurgeon - who is also considered to be a serious contender for the NFL draft - then immediately flew north for a game against the University of Maryland, making it into the game before halftime. FSU won 37-3.
As one of 32 Americans selected as Rhodes Scholars this year, Mr. Rolle will study for two years at the University of Oxford in England. Selection is based on high academic achievement, personal integrity, leadership potential and physical vigor. About 80 scholars worldwide are selected each year. Mr. Rolle and company will enter Oxford next October, with scholarships averaging $50,000.
My response: Congratulations to Mr. Rolle. It is always good to see young blacks excel. This young man is no joke. According to his Wikipedia entry, he once told his high school coach that he would quit football unless he could take a science lab course that conflicted with practice (being one of the top high school football players in the country at the time, Coach clearly relented on that one). His role model is Robert Smith, the doctor and former Minnesota Vikings running back known for his astronomy hobby. Mr. Rolle graduated from FSU in August in 2 1/2 years, with a degree in exercise science/pre-med and a 3.75 GPA.
Because the Rhodes Scholar interview - a requirement in order to be an awardee - was scheduled the same time as Florida State University's game against University of Maryland, the NCAA waived its usual rules and permitted him to take a FSU-chartered jet from his interview in Birmingham, Alabama to College Park, Maryland so he could make part of the game. Good going, NCAA and FSU.
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