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At some point, you stop playing football and need another profession. Pro athletes try to go into some type of sports job, either coaching or analysis. But where to begin? And who will train you?
We don't necessarily think of athletes as good reporters, hence things like this "boot camp" to keep these retired athletes employed. Bowling Green State University is having a four-day class next month on sports journalism specifically geared to former athletes. It's all part of the NFL's attempt to equip athletes with other job skills. (You listening, Tebow?) The final exam will require the athletes to cover a Toledo Mud Hens game, and among the "professors" will be a familiar MAC name, OHIO graduate and Sports Illustrated NFL reporter Peter King.
Usually a sports media outlet will employ people who have journalism skills and former pro sports experience, but usually not both. Obviously this can only improve the quality of coverage moving forward. Anything to avoid another Kirk Herbstreit-Les Miles moment.
USA Today reports that so far, there are 23 athletes enrolled in the BGSU class, which includes former Eastern Michigan and Lions/Steelers great Charlie Batch and Heisman Trophy-winning Nebraska quarterback Eric Crouch. So with any luck, we'll get to say that a Heisman winner will have gone to a MAC school.