John Thune actually said...

"However, the college student-athlete is, and should be, a student first."

"Everything is a first step, as Neil Armstrong said. We got a lot of steps to make, and as others have pointed out, the world is changing."

"I certainly recognize that participation in organized sports not only requires physical and mental strength, but also teaches teamwork and other skills that serve you throughout life."

"I'm here to tell you that--and if perchance the Democrats should control the Congress next time, and nobody is quite sure of that, John Thune has one idea, Bill Nelson has another idea, and you."