To the editor:

“Bravo” to Bill Mayer’s poignant article, “Student-athletes should be lauded for staying in school,” (Journal-World, April 10).

My feelings exactly. “Hats off” to our four seniors for honoring their four-year basketball scholarships, earning prestigious Kansas University degrees and allowing KU fans to enjoy their basketball skills all four years. Also, thanks to their families for their guidance and encouragement throughout their college careers.

The NCAA should not allow what happened this year. Four top awards were given to an Australian player attending an American university for a couple of years to get “noticed” by the NBA. This deprived a U.S. athlete of a scholarship and took away four top awards for 2005. What is this world coming to? Colleges being “farm teams” for the NBA! How sad!

I am glad that, through the years, KU coaches, starting with Phog Allen, instilled in their players the virtues of a good education and receiving a degree at the end of their four-year basketball scholarships. The results are outstanding and have produced many successful men, very loyal in their support of KU.

I should know; I was married to one of those remarkable players, John Kline, (1938-1941). The 1940 team was a finalist in the NCAA Tournament.

So, to incoming, starry-eyed future basketball players, or any other athletes: Stay in school. Get your college degree and you will find success in life besides playing in the NBA, NFL or other professional ranks.

Aline M. Kline,

Lawrence