Academics vs Athletics and the case of Prime Prep Academy

Texas based Prime Prep Academy, founded in part by former Cowboys player and 2011 Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee Deion Sanders, may be the subject of the age old battle of academics vs athletics.  And so far neither side seems to want to budge on the flailing charter school's list of academic and financial woes.

According to an article in today's New York Times, at the heart of the school's problems is Sanders himself.  Did Deion "Prime Time" Sanders create an atmosphere where athletics and ego were placed at the top of the pinnacle?

The school's charter is being revoked by the Texas Education Agency for accusations surrounding their participation and use of funds in the school lunch program.  According to the Dallas News, at issue are the alleged misuse of almost $46,000 in funds.  The article also notes that Prime Prep is appealing the agency's efforts to revoke their charter.  One recent victory in favor of Prime Prep reported in the article is the ruling by U.S. District Judge Barbara Lynn where the judge agreed with Prime Prep's attorney that the school was not properly served with the lawsuit.  While this ruling buys some time for the school to address the revocation, it will still need to meet certain criteria and pay back the funds to reinstate itself in the school lunch program according to sources.

Deion Sanders has been a marketing master post pro football career, and with his acquisition of corporate spokesperson contracts, sports analyst positions and reality television successes he has continued his star power persona.  Was this school an extension of that star power for a state like Texas where football is larger than life?  Former school employees and a school board member who were quoted in the New York Times article seem to indicate Sanders, who was fired twice from the school, was creating a recruiting powerhouse from Prime Prep and its athletes, caring little about their grades or any emphasis on placing education above that of sports accolades.

The school's website whose motto is "Aspire, Inspire, Succeed" seems to place a great deal of emphasis on academics by stating it is "the place where students come first".  As the investigation furthers from both media and the TEA, perhaps the answer will emerge as to whether the school administration and its founders were working towards "first" in academics or athletics.