Bronco safety Marty Tadman celebrates after intercepting a pass against Oklahoma in the 2007 Fiesta Bowl.

BOISE --Former Boise State football player Marty Tadman says he did not call his school a "joke," as was implied in a national newspaper article on Wednesday.

USA Today has a front-page story about a study the newspaper did that shows athletes at many colleges and universities load up on majors that some consider not very demanding academcially.  Among those interviewed for the story was former Bronco standout Marty Tadman.  Tadman is quoted as saying:

"You hear which majors, and which classes, are the easiest and you take them, you're going to school so you can stay in sports. You're not going for a degree. … it's a joke."

(Related: USA Today article)

Tadman says his quote was taken out of context, and was talking about how certain majors make more sense, as far as when the classes are available (considering afternoons for athletes are devoted to practice).

"Certain majors are easier with your time flexibility.”  Tadman told Newschannel 7 on Wednesday.  “When I say easy in the article, I'm referring to how easy it is, as far as the flexibility, not to do with the difficulty of the class.  My frustration is that people think Marty Tadman thinks Boise State is a joke... And there's no part of me that does."

Tadman said the interview was done 5 months ago, and hadn't heard anything since he was awoken by a call from Boise State Athletic Director Gene Bleymaier Wednesday morning... And is troubled that it sounded like he was bashing his alma mater, when that was nowhere near his intent.

The USA Today article says that 50 percent of both the BSU men's and women's basketball teams also majored in communication.

Boise State spokesman Frank Zang told us that there are over 700 communication majors on campus, with students who come from all walks of life, not just from sports.

Marty Tadman was a four-year starter at Boise State and was the 2007 Fiesta Bowl defensive MVP. A native of California, Marty now makes his home in the Treasure Valley.