“Eagles Don’t Fly with Sparrows”: Self-Determination Theory, African American Male Scholar-Athletes and Peer Group Influences on Motivation

Abstract:The purpose of this study was to explore participants’ academic experiences, their academic motivation and the role of peers on their academic achievement. Participants (N = 27) were comprised of high-achieving African American male student-athletes from four academically rigorous American universities on the West Coast. A majority of the participants competed in revenue-generating sports and were interviewed to obtain a deeper understanding of their academic motivations. Using a phenomenological approach, five major themes emerged: (a) “My Teammates Have a Flawed View of Success,” (b) “That’s When I Lost Confidence,” (c) “Don’t Believe the Hype,” (d) “I Wouldn’t Let Bad Associations Affect My Level of Success,” and (e) “I Had to Take Control of My College Experience.” Self-Determination Theory (SDT) is examined in relation to the findings. Recommendations for practitioners and scholars working with African American male student-athletes are also expressed.