[GK3]

We want to ensure that even in this new era, Stanford student-athletes are true Stanford students.  We want athletics to be financially sustainable and hopefully have strong support from alumni. And we want our athletes and teams to excel.

Massive respect if he pulls it off, but this strikes me as a trilema in that we can probably only get two out of three out of:
* *Student* athletes
* Financial sustainability
* Team success

We can probably beget financial sustainability and team success if we abandon our standards.  WE could probably get team success with Stanford caliber students if we throw large amounts of money at the problem.  And we can probably keep academic standards and maintain fiscal discipline, but it is hard to see how in the new era we will have sustained team success, at least in the revenue sports that Levin is trying to address.

BC

You are so right, the trifecta of revenue, record and academics will be very hard to pull off.  First thing we need to do is have better teams, get more butts in the seats and a better record and let the academics be what they are.  
One thing that impresses me from all these interviews is that the kids who are committing are buying what Andrew is selling.  Also, Frank Reich is creating a culture that appears to appear to resonate with these same guys. If Stanford can turn around its football and basketball teams would an achievement that would be remembered. Starting to win may create a even stronger bond between the players, coaches, and Stanford and most of the players would take less money to stay and be part of something unique. At least I hope so.  I think there is more to be optimistic about.

[GK3]

We want to ensure that even in this new era, Stanford student-athletes are true Stanford students.  We want athletics to be financially sustainable and hopefully have strong support from alumni. And we want our athletes and teams to excel.

Massive respect if he pulls it off, but this strikes me as a trilema in that we can probably only get two out of three out of:
* *Student* athletes
* Financial sustainability
* Team success

We can probably beget financial sustainability and team success if we abandon our standards.  WE could probably get team success with Stanford caliber students if we throw large amounts of money at the problem.  And we can probably keep academic standards and maintain fiscal discipline, but it is hard to see how in the new era we will have sustained team success, at least in the revenue sports that Levin is trying to address.

BC

You are so right, the trifecta of revenue, record and academics will be very hard to pull off.  First thing we need to do is have better teams, get more butts in the seats and a better record and let the academics be what they are.  
One thing that impresses me from all these interviews is that the kids who are committing are buying what Andrew is selling.  Also, Frank Reich is creating a culture that appears to appear to resonate with these same guys. If Stanford can turn around its football and basketball teams would an achievement that would be remembered. Starting to win may create a even stronger bond between the players, coaches, and Stanford and most of the players would take less money to stay and be part of something unique. At least I hope so.  I think there is more to be optimistic about.