Anyone remember that whole “athletic scholarship” scandal from a few years back, then Doctor Dre was bragging about his daughter getting into USC on her own…until someone pointed out he just donated millions of dollars to the school…

that whole “athletic scholarship” scandal from a few years back

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Varsity_Blues_scandal#Fabrication_of_sports_credentials

Athletic scholarships are legitimate. The scandal was that someone was bribing coaches to falsely identify athletic recruits.

Varsity Blues scandal - Wikipedia

Sounds like he helped the school and paid for this kid. What’s the problem?

he helped the school

The word you’re looking for is “bribed”.

Is that the same thing as paying tuition but helping other students with funding?