07-24-2021, 02:27 PM
Folks, it doesn't have to be this bleak. Back in the 60s Stanford had some NFL destined talent and the world didn't end. They were pretty much just students. There is a way to have very high quality athletics without all the trimmings. It doesn't require 35 million a year from ESPN to have a football program. It won't be like it is today, but we don't have to blow the whole thing up or become the Ivy League.
It may very well be that in "today's world" it is impossible to tone down the expense and profile of college sports while retaining excellence. If that turns out to be the case, it is certainly due to a failure of imagination and leadership in the collegiate administrations. People need to learn to say no to more money in return for their soul. What we need here IS a restraint of trade and some good collusion to stop the madness.
It may very well be that in "today's world" it is impossible to tone down the expense and profile of college sports while retaining excellence. If that turns out to be the case, it is certainly due to a failure of imagination and leadership in the collegiate administrations. People need to learn to say no to more money in return for their soul. What we need here IS a restraint of trade and some good collusion to stop the madness.