UCLA Athletic Scholarship of Justin Combs , Son of Rap Mogul Diddy, in Question

UCLA Athletic Scholarship of Justin Combs , Son of Rap Mogul Diddy, in Question

Not more than a year after Diddy's son, Justin Combs, committed to play football at UCLA, some people are raising questions over whether the well off freshman should turn over his $54,000 scholarship to students who need it more.

In an interview with CNN, education contributor Dr. Steve Perry defended Combs' merit-based scholarship, saying he earned it fair and square. Combs maintained a 3.75 GPA while playing cornerback for the football team at the Upstate New York prep school where Combs recently graduated.

"He's done what he needs to do to be successful and we have to accept that no matter who your father is, whether he be rich, poor or absent, that you can in fact be successful on your own merit," Perry said.

Indeed, Diddy can afford to send his son to college being recently named the wealthiest artist in hip hop by Forbes Magazine, so far adding $45 million to his wealth in 2012 alone.

But Combs' scholarship, which is awarded to chosen student athletes, is one of about 285 full athletic scholarships UCLA awards each year.

Still, some students are sulking, calling on the athletic department to reconsider the scholarship altogether.  “UCLA’s athletic department needs to consider the fact that perhaps there is another athlete on the football team, who could perhaps really use this scholarship,” UCLA student Neshemah Keetin told CBS Los Angeles.

In its response to criticism over the award, UCLA released a statement:

"Unlike need-based scholarships, athletic scholarships are awarded to students strictly on the basis of their athletic and academic ability – not their financial need. Athletic scholarships, such as those awarded to football or basketball players, do not rely on state funds. Instead, these scholarships are entirely funded through UCLA Athletics ticket sales, corporate partnerships, media contracts and private donations from supporters," the statement said.

On his side, Combs has made no announcement regarding any plans of giving his scholarship back at this time.

Posted by Andre Monohan on Friday June 01 2012, 3:04 AM EST. Ref: Yahoo. All trademarks acknowledged. Filed under Featured News. Comments and Trackbacks closed. Follow responses: RSS 2.0