Tag Archives: NCAA

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Controversy surrounding college athletics history class at UNC

As the University of North Carolina continues to seek an end of the athletics controversy that has roiled campus for more than six years, the removal of a history class on athletics from the fall schedule has raised governance questions. I argued that much of the controversy at UNC centered around governance problems at the institution and the decision to cut the athletics course has many asking if UNC still has a governance issue on campus. In today’s post, I want to discuss the facts behind the case and the relevant governance issues at play in the case.

Controversy surrounding college athletics history class at UNC

Photo credit: goheels.com

The current controversy is focused on the class, “Big-Time College Sports and the Rights of Athletes, 1956 to the Present.” 

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Athletics spending and the future of higher education

I had the privilege this week to speak with the Kathleen Dunn Show on Wisconsin Public Radio about athletics spending and the future of higher education.  Our discussion covered a wide range of issues related to intercollegiate athletics as well as higher education more generally.  The callers added great perspective and I enjoyed the opportunity.  If you’re interested in these issues, I recommend you listen to the show or download the podcast version.  In today’s post, I want to mention a couple of points that were raised in our discussion that are worthy of highlighting.  Athletics presents a challenge to institutional leaders and all of those worried about the future of higher education.

Photo credit: tujabro_99
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College Football is Broken

This weekend should have been a glorious one for college football. There were amazing upsets with the #2, #3, #4, #6, #8, #14, #15, #16, #17, #18, and #19 ranked teams losing. However, I couldn’t shake the feeling that college football is broken. In what should be a celebration of the sport, I find myself disillusioned and increasingly disinterested in the results. There are three events that crystalize for me the problems of college football.

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Power Conference Autonomy Will Cause More Problems

In a widely anticipated outcome, the NCAA Division I Board of Directors is expected today to approve additional autonomy measures for the Power 5 athletic conferences: ACC, Big 10, Big 12, Pac 12, and SEC (update: The vote passed 16-2).  The new governance measures will enable these institutions to set more of their own rules and governance.  The spin during the lead up to the vote has been about including student athletes in decisions and providing better athlete benefits.  The Power 5 have touted better health benefits and covering the full cost of attendance.  These would be welcomed changes.  However, let me be clear.  This legislation is nothing more than a power grab by the Power 5.  It will only continue the damaging trend of escalating athletics expenses.

Photo credit: Jay Denney

The changes will continue the recent NCAA trend of protecting the few dozen major athletic programs.  At the end of the day, the NCAA couldn’t risk the possibility of those universities leaving and taking much of the revenue with them.

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College Athletics on Trial, But Problems There Since the Beginning

Last week, I published this op-ed in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.  I wanted to share it here too because I believe it is important for understanding how the history of intercollegiate athletics plays a part in today’s challenges.

Photo credit: Associated Press

In a courtroom in Oakland, Calif., this week, current and former college athletes finally are getting their day in court.

The athletes are suing the NCAA for a share of the profits made from television contracts to broadcast intercollegiate athletics. The athletes contend that the NCAA made millions of dollars off of them while not properly compensating them.