UCLA Defends Granting Sean "Diddy" Combs' Son an Athletic Scholarship

Justin Combs has been the center of controversy after receiving a full ride to play on the Bruins football team

By Bruna Nessif May 30, 2012 10:30 PMTags
Sean Combs, Diddy, Justin CombsStephen Lovekin/Getty Images

Sure, Sean "Diddy" Combs is worth hundreds of millions of dollars, but that doesn't mean his son Justin Combs should be disqualified from receiving a college scholarship.

Or should we say, an athletic scholarship, to be exact.

UCLA granted the 18-year-old a full ride to play on the Bruins football team, and although that didn't sit well with some, the prestigious university stands firmly behind their decision.

A rep from the university tells E! News, "Unlike need-based scholarships, athletic scholarships are awarded to students strictly on the basis of their athletic and academic ability—not their financial need. Athletic scholarships, such as those awarded to football or basketball players, do not rely on state funds. Instead, these scholarships are entirely funded through UCLA Athletics ticket sales, corporate partnerships, media contracts and private donations from supporters."

And there you have it.

When the news first broke in December, Diddy shared what a memorable moment it was as a parent.

"That's probably the proudest moment of my life," Combs told E! News. "You have a proud moment when you have kids, but when they grow up and they're able to grow up into men or grow up into women, it takes your pride to another level. For him to do that on his own and get a full-ride scholarship!"

Looks like we'll be seeing Justin in the true blue and gold in no time.

—Reporting by Marc Malkin and Marcus Mulick