How an NCAA academic rule is hurting under-resourced HBCUs

Many Historically Black Colleges and Universities are underfunded and don't have the resources to keep up with the NCAA's evolving academic standards. (Yahoo Sports illustration)Edwin Nerette had a choice during his third year at Florida A&M in 2014: He could enroll in the school’s pharmacy program, into which he had just been admitted, or he could continue his pursuit of a football scholarship as a preferred walk-on.

After consulting his coaches, advisers and family, Nerette decided to leave the game behind.

“I would've tried to juggle both, but because of the scheduling it wouldn't have worked out too well because of the way they had the classes set up,” Nerette said. “As well as the degree…