[JeffInCorvallis]

I haven't beaten this drum in a while, but I think a way to address much of the corruption/difficulties of the NCAA would be for the NFL and NBA to develop legitimate minor/developmental leagues open to players coming straight out of HS, a la Hockey and Baseball. 

In principle I completely agree with this. The NFL and NBA have gotten free development leagues for a long time.

Unfortunately, there is little to no emotional investment in minor league teams, whilst most D-1 universities have cultivated rabid fan bases. At some big name schools the base includes orders of people who are not alumni and really don't have any connection to the school outside of sports.

Imagine, if you will, the media buildup for a game between the Palo Alto Trees and the Tuscaloosa Tide. Not much of an attention-grabber.

[JeffInCorvallis]

I haven't beaten this drum in a while, but I think a way to address much of the corruption/difficulties of the NCAA would be for the NFL and NBA to develop legitimate minor/developmental leagues open to players coming straight out of HS, a la Hockey and Baseball. 

In principle I completely agree with this. The NFL and NBA have gotten free development leagues for a long time.

Unfortunately, there is little to no emotional investment in minor league teams, whilst most D-1 universities have cultivated rabid fan bases. At some big name schools the base includes orders of people who are not alumni and really don't have any connection to the school outside of sports.

Imagine, if you will, the media buildup for a game between the Palo Alto Trees and the Tuscaloosa Tide. Not much of an attention-grabber.