Editorial: Justin Combs earned his free ride
Sean Diddy Combs and his son, Justin Dior Combs, attend Justin's 16th birthday party at M2 Ultra Lounge in Manhattan, Jan. 23, 2010. Credit: Getty Images
Justin Combs, son of rap mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs, doesn't need the $54,000 scholarship that UCLA awarded him to play football. In fact, his family could probably pay the entire team's tuition -- for decades to come.
So some say the graduating student-athlete at Iona Prep in New Rochelle shouldn't get a free ride -- not when his dad is reportedly worth nearly a half-billion dollars and is ranked No. 42 on Forbes magazine's list of the 100 most powerful celebrities.
But Justin Combs' scholarship isn't about money. It's about merit. And winning the honor is no small feat.
Hollywood, New York and places in between are littered with do-nothing kids ready to live off their parents' wealth. Combs -- a 5-foot-9, 170-pound all-state defensive back with a reported 3.75 grade-point average -- earned this. He turned down offers from Illinois, Virginia and Wyoming.
If not for his famous father, the son's scholarship wouldn't be controversial. Privileged children get free rides at campuses all across the country for various reasons, and no one ever hears about it.
The 18-year-old Combs is one of 285 athletes whom UCLA awarded scholarships. They are funded by donations, ticket sales and corporate sponsorships, not tax dollars, according to the school.
Sean Combs, a Mount Vernon native, ought to be a proud pop. His son should be proud, too.
