" College athletics are so entrenched and enjoyed by so many people that they will never be discontinued or substantially changed. I know that. I just pity the people caught in that tender trap. And most of all, I pity those kids. "
- Susan Orlean

In this quote, Susan Orlean is expressing her concern about college athletics and their impact on students involved in them. She suggests that despite widespread enjoyment and deep-rooted traditions, college sports will remain largely unchanged because they are so deeply embedded in university culture and society at large. However, she feels compassion for those who are caught up in this system, particularly the young athletes.

Orlean's statement delves into a broader critique of how college athletics can consume students' lives, potentially overshadowing their educational pursuits and personal development. She highlights that while many people appreciate and celebrate the excitement and camaraderie provided by sports events on campus, there is often little consideration given to the challenges faced by student athletes who must balance rigorous training with academic responsibilities. The quote also implies a sense of worry about the long-term effects this system might have on these young individuals, suggesting that their experiences in college athletics could be detrimental to their overall well-being and future prospects.

Susan Orlean is an American author known for her work in non-fiction writing. She has published several best-selling books and contributed articles to The New Yorker magazine since 1992. Her insights often reflect on the intersection of culture, society, and individual experiences, making her observations particularly poignant and thought-provoking.