Thank you for sharing your observation of the current trend of fining student-athletes. As an athletic administrator, who has seen first-hand the efforts made to enhance the student- athletes experience on and off the court (or field), acts such as those considered by Virginia Tech’s football program, nullifies the efforts that have been made. Fining student athletes, who are not paid for serving on a team, is immoral. The implementation of fining in an athletic department could provoke student-athletes to break NCAA rules as it relates to amateurism, to cover the cost of these fines.
Although the leadership of the football coaching staff is disappointing, the leadership of Virginia Tech athletic director, Whit Babcock, should be applauded.