Scholarship Earned

In November, 18 year-old high school senior, Justin Combs (son of Sean "Diddy" Combs) committed to playing collegiate football at UCLA. He is a 5-foot-9, 175 pound defensive back at Iona Preparatory School in New Rochelle, New York. Justin is a three-star recruit and is ranked #133 for the cornerback position. He was recruited by nationally recognized football programs, which included UCLA, Iowa, Illinois, Wyoming, and Virginia. He accepted UCLA's offer of $54,000 (full ride) to play for their football program. The school hands out 285 athletic scholarship each year.

Just because his father is a hip-hop mogul, who has a net worth of over $550 million, doesn't mean his son shouldn't be able to receive an athletic scholarship. Granted his father would have no problem paying for his son to attend any college he wanted, Justin earned his scholarship and the right to accept it regardless of how much money his father has. Justin will be graduating with a 3.75 GPA. He is an all around student-athlete, and he excels in the classroom as well as on the field.

The athletic scholarships are funded by tickets sales, corporate partnerships, media rights, and private donations. His scholarship won't affect need-based scholarships awarded to other students and will not use state funded money.

Did UCLA offer the scholarship to bring attraction to the university? Should he have accepted the scholarship? Will this increase the school's attendance or have no affect? Will Diddy make major contributions to the university and/or athletic department? This is not the first time a celebrity or athlete's child has been offered an athletic scholarship, but is the most publicized thus far.