Watch Student Athlete

Student Athlete is a documentary film released in 2018 that takes a hard-hitting look at the exploitation of college athletes by the NCAA and the broader system of college sports. It is an engaging and powerful film that lays bare the issues with the current model of college sports in the United States. The film follows the stories of several current and former student-athletes as they navigate the difficulties of balancing sports and academics, as well as grappling with the realities of being a college athlete. Some of the key figures in the film include Chris Chavannes, a high school basketball phenom from Long Island who struggles to make it onto a college team, Shamar Graves, a former football player who now works as a recruiter for a talent agency, and Silas Nacita, a former Baylor University football player who was kicked off the team and became homeless.

Throughout the film, we see how the NCAA and college sports programs profit off the hard work and talent of young athletes, while providing little in return. The athletes in the film speak candidly about the challenges they face, such as the lack of compensation, the pressure to perform, and the difficulty of balancing school and sports. They also talk about the systemic racism and exploitation that is prevalent in college sports, with many athletes coming from low-income backgrounds and facing significant barriers to success.

The filmmakers do an excellent job of presenting a balanced but critical view of college sports. They interview current and former coaches, administrators, and players, providing a range of perspectives on the issues at hand. Some of the most compelling moments in the film come from interviews with coaches and administrators, who speak candidly about the challenges they face in running college sports programs and the flaws in the current system.

One powerful aspect of the film is its focus on the personal stories of the athletes themselves. We see the ups and downs of their lives, from the excitement of being recruited to the crushing disappointment of being cut from a team. We also see the impact that the pressure to succeed has on their mental health, relationships, and sense of self-worth. By humanizing these athletes, the film makes a powerful case for why we need to rethink the way we approach college sports.

Overall, Student Athlete is a must-see documentary for anyone interested in sports, education, or social justice. It is a thought-provoking and compelling film that raises important questions about the role of college sports in our society. Whether you are a die-hard sports fan or a casual viewer, this film will challenge you to think critically about the issues at hand and imagine a better future for college athletes.

Student Athlete is a 2018 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 32 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5.