The Higher Education Inquirer has received a cease-and-desist letter from lawyers representing Chip Paucek and the Pro Athlete Community (PAC). Out of respect for PAC co-CEO Kaleb Thornhill and members of PAC, we have removed the article. However, we stand by all the facts of the story and our characterizations about Mr. Paucek, the former CEO of 2U and Smarterville (aka Hooked on Phonics). These characterizations are based on information and opinions obtained from experts in the education business in addition to publicly available business records and government records, to include earnings call transcripts, consumer lawsuits, and citizen/consumer testimony.
The Higher Education Inquirer (HEI) is conducting an extensive investigation of former 2U CEO Chip Paucek. While we are compiling and analyzing this information, HEI is putting out a warning to current and former professional athletes who may be contacted by Paucek's newest enterprise, Pro Athlete Community (PAC).
As the co-CEO of Pro Athlete Community, Chip Paucek rang the opening bell at NASDAQ on June 13, 2024, just months after driving another company, 2U, to near failure.
Pro Athlete Community is recruiting former professional athletes to become members, offering dreams of success. A number of former NFL players have already signed up and are being used to sell PAC's services. PAC is also working with the Miami Dolphins to educate current players about getting into business.
From September 14-19, in Austin, Texas, PAC is holding live sessions to sell their dreams. The event is called Next Chapter U. They are also working with the University of Miami's Herbert School of Business on a certificate program for PAC members.
We encourage those who are contacted by Pro Athlete Community to do their due diligence, given Paucek's track record as a businessperson. We are also asking those who have been contacted to document any material statements made, to consult their lawyers, and to let us know what promises may be said on the back stage. We will share with you what we know.
Chip Paucek, co-CEO of Pro Athlete Community, brought his sales pitch to ASU-GSV in April 2024. Paucek used a number of former NFL players to represent the PAC brand.
