OPINION: Why do school sports start before classes do?

(CNN) – CNN Contributor LZ Granderson says there's a problem when schools start sports before classes begin. Granderson believes more dedication to our country's academics could help with some nationwide issues like unemployment.

[0:39] "For much of the country high school football started last month and for much of the country high school classes start next month. Given where high schoolers rank globally in reading, math and science that is essentially putting the cup before the helmet in the 21st century."

[1:16] "We live locally but are competing for jobs globally. Part of the reason why the unemployment rate is 8.3 percent is because many Americans don't have the technical skills necessary to fill some of the 3.5 million jobs that are currently available."

Read more of LZ Granderson's columns at CNN Opinion.