Chazz, if you are saying that there should be a major program that would lead to a career that they want, then I am all for that.
But they should have to meet all of the core requirements for a degree, most likely in liberal arts. If they fail a required course then they should have to take it again and pass it a TU. Like a philosophy major, or a music major, or a art major some of their hours come from that area. But if Freshman Composition, American Literature, Math, or some science is a general requirement they should able to pass it. They already have tutors the other students don't have. The area of their major should not be designed simply to keep them afloat. They should be university students.
If they can make up a failed class at a community college then every student should be able to do so. The Athletic Department is a part of the University.