(KRON) — NBA star Jaylen Wells is talking publicly in regards to the proposed cuts to the athletic division of Sonoma State College.
‘It sucks’: Ex-Sonoma State star in NBA speaks out on faculty reducing athletics
On Monday morning, Wells, a Sonoma State College alumni and present Memphis Grizzlies participant, visited the college to talk with reporters. Wells recalled how Sonoma State was one the few faculties to supply him an opportunity to play faculty basketball.
“I feel like I grew as a person both on and off the floor,” stated Wells. “I met a lot of nice people here. It definitely felt like a second home being here.”
NBA star Jaylen Wells (Photograph Credit score: KRON4 Information.)
Earlier this 12 months, the college introduced that with a view to shut a $24 million finances deficit, it was ending 20 diploma applications, shedding school, merging departments and eliminating all 11 of the college’s athletic groups.
Wells stated he’s involved if these cuts undergo that different younger athletes might not get the alternatives he was given. He additionally worries that the cuts might impression the broader neighborhood.
“I bet you there are kids in Rohnert Park that come to these games, and they enjoy it and it makes them want to play these sports,” stated Wells. “I think a lot of it is bigger than sports. We aren’t realizing how big of an impact that Sonoma State sports have on the community.”
Wells stated he understands that the college is underneath strain to make cuts, however he hopes they’ll discover a solution to make it work. “To make it back to what it was and to elevate it once it is saved,” stated Wells.
Except Sonoma State College modifications course, the cuts to the athletics applications are set to take impact on the finish of the present semester.
A bunch calling themselves “Save Seawolves Athletics” has filed a civil rights grievance with the U.S. Division of Schooling difficult the cuts.
