Time for College Football to Issue a Declaration of Independence from the NCAA
The Washington Post’s John Feinstein — one of the great real sports journalists in America — used the latest, scandalous developments in the NCAA’s investigation of the University of Miami to argue for the dissolution of the NCAA. He is right, and it’s an idea that is long overdue.
I will spare you the arcane details of the NCAA’s investigation of Miami — other than to say that the governing body that administers the arcane, arbitrary, and senseless rules of collegiate athletics is guilty of more serious and substantive misconduct than the school itself.
In the wake of this, Feinstein writes something that rings true to most fans of major college sports:
The NCAA needs to go the way of typewriters, the Edsel and black-and-white TV. Its time has passed. Collegiate sports can no longer be run with an iron fist — especially an incompetent one — or with the quaint notion that Quinnipiac women’s basketball can operate under the same rules as Alabama football.
Exactly. The NCAA has long been a farce of a governing body, more hypocritical and corrupt than the old Soviet Politburo — but with “death penalties” that are only metaphorical, and with fewer pairs of contraband blue jeans smuggled to favored apparatchiks. It is long past time for the commissioners of the Division I-A football conferences (I refuse to use the Newspeak version: “FBS Division”) to convene the football equivalent of a “Continental Congress” and sign a Declaration of Independence from the NCAA. With apologies to our Founding Fathers, I can help them get started …
When in the Course of Sporting events, it becomes necessary for one sport to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with other sports, and to assume among the powers of the gridiron, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Football and of Football’s God (television) entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of college football fans requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that NOT ALL college sports are created equal, that football is endowed by its TV ratings with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Money, Honesty and the pursuit of Playoffs.
Look. The market has spoken: Major college football is a business, not merely an extra-curricular activity of athletic students. Can we stop pretending otherwise? If we did — if we were realistic about what big-time college football has been for decades — this is how I propose it could be reformed in a way that is honest, sensible, and justly governed:
Universities would recuit kids to play football at their school and pay them a stipend, with a maximum amount that all major conferences agree to adhere and publicly report. These athletes would be enrolled in school, but would also be employees of the university, because that is what they are. Something akin to that worked well for me at the University of Pittsburgh. I was a full-time student who was also an employee of the university. I worked in the library and as a dorm desk attendant overnights, while also dedicating many hours a week as a drummer in the marching band and working for the school newspaper.
These athletes would be required to register for enough classes to meet the minimum requirement for “maximum part-time.” They could choose to take full advantage of the academic benefits of their scholarships by enrolling full-time. Who knows? Some of the football players might even enjoy it. And here’s the kicker: Schools and coaches would have a huge incentive to encourage these football players to enroll fully and complete their educations because the school would get extra athletic scholarships for the football program based on the team’s graduation rate. That’s an example of market forces and incentives at work — something the football players might even learn about in class.
But the schools must also let scholarship athletes complete their degrees free of charge after their athletic eligibility is over — either by coming back to campus or taking online courses — up until the age of, say, 35. This would incentivize schools to follow up academically with their former players because these post-college graduates would also count in the graduation rate that comes with more athletic scholarships. More market-based incentives at work!
If the commissioners of the “BCS” conferences got together to declare independence and set up guidelines such as these, the NCAA would either have to capitulate and get a piece of the pie, or declare Division I-A football no longer part of the NCAA. The conferences would laugh at the latter — the NCAA would be foolish to even consider that option, but be the biggest loser in the deal — and should happily acede to the former. There will be plenty of money to go around. Either way, college football fans and common sense wins.
The upshot is that the NCAA would become largely irrelevant, as it must be, to the administration of big-time college sports — which is a business, a lucrative entertainment outlet that is “professional” for everyone but the performers. It would also let the NCAA go back to doing what it was designed to do: elevate club sports to a “sanctioned” level and run tournaments to crown champions of such sports as wrestling, volleyball, and tennis.
Since this is such a good and logical idea, the chances of it happening is about as good as me playing quarter back for Alabama next year. On the other hand, a lot of “smart people” never saw the dissolution of the Soviet Union coming. So who knows? The BCS conferences have all the power. Maybe one of these days they will have the will to use it … and declare their independence from the incompetent and corrupt NCAA.
- Comment (55)
- · Quote
- · UnfollowFollow (16)
Comments:
Apr '12
Re: Time for College Football to Issue a Declaration of Independence from the NCAA
Look, people can say what they want about college athletes not really being students, but I went to Notre Dame (not that many years ago) and we had big-name athletes in our classes, in our dorms, in our dining halls and all the rest of it. A good friend lived just up the hall from our starting quarterback. Our best running back at the time was in my theology class, came to class regularly, and seemed like a decent student, who made interesting and relevant comments in the class.
Maybe it's just a facade, but it's a pretty dang convincing facade when you're a student. If this were traded out for a minor league team made up of university-hired athletes who didn't even pretend to be students... I couldn't care less about that team. I wouldn't have bought season tickets and stood for hours in the rain for that team. I wouldn't root for them now.
Jan '12
Re: Time for College Football to Issue a Declaration of Independence from the NCAA
Jim - Very interesting and thought provoking piece here.
Although I tend to agree that the NCAA is an inherently corrupt organization, what "problem" are we trying to solve, specifically? Are we just trying to replace an apparently corrupt NCAA with a more legitimate organization because it is simply the right thing to do?
From a pure market perspective, I do not agree with the majority that believes that the athletes need a "piece of the pie". There certainly is no shortage of high school athletes desiring an athletic scholarship (or even non-scholarship athletic participation such as in the Ivy League) under the current arrangement.
Also, in the part of your proposal that deals with student athlete remuneration, is it uniform for all the athletes on each team (such as all scholaship football players receiving the same stipend)? How would you deal with booster impropriety here such es providing extra benefits to players? I don't see how your proposal would do anything to prevent this.
Oct '12
Re: Time for College Football to Issue a Declaration of Independence from the NCAA
Brian Clendinen
Jim Lakely: EJ, RE: Conference travel.
Distance between Boise and Orlando (USF): 2,190 miles.
USF's main campus is in Tampa not Orlando. My alma mater, UCF is in Orlando and next year will be joining the big east
My mistake. Sorry.
Managing and regulating Division 2 and 3 football programs is what the NCAA should be doing. That, and minor sports in Division 1, fits the NCAA's charter and competence. Division I football and basketball does not — as its absurd rulings, witch hunts, and corruption has proven.
Jul '10
Re: Time for College Football to Issue a Declaration of Independence from the NCAA
Rachel Lu: Look, people can say what they want about college athletes not really being students, but I went to Notre Dame (notthatmany years ago) and we had big-name athletes in our classes, in our dorms, in our dining halls and all the rest of it. A good friend lived just up the hall from our starting quarterback. Our best running back at the time was in my theology class, came to class regularly, and seemed like a decent student, who made interesting and relevant comments in the class.
Maybe it's just a facade, but it's a pretty dang convincing facade when you're a student. If this were traded out for a minor league team made up of university-hired athletes who didn't even pretend to be students... I couldn't care less about that team. I wouldn't have bought season tickets and stood for hours in the rain for that team. I wouldn't root for them now. · 6 minutes ago
Yes, Rachel. That's why Alabama handed Notre Dame it's lunch.
Jul '10
Re: Time for College Football to Issue a Declaration of Independence from the NCAA
Cattle King: ...
The solution is to get rid of athletic scholarships. Only those who can make it to the university based on their academic merits get to play sports. The point is not to develop athletes, but to develop people. All the integrity there is in college athletics is in Division II and III. Division I is for people who think winning is more important than being a good person. · 1 hour ago
But all the money is in Division I. It's always about the money - from the school perspective, the fan perspective, the TV perspective. And those young people who only get to GO to college because of an athletic scholarship - ?what of them.
So you're looking for integrity, the school is looking for money, the TV media is looking for viewers, the players are looking for a career - guess all are looking for what they don't have. ;-)
Edited on February 27, 2013 at 5:53amApr '11
Re: Time for College Football to Issue a Declaration of Independence from the NCAA
Calling for getting rid of athletic scholarships is racist.
Oct '12
Re: Time for College Football to Issue a Declaration of Independence from the NCAA
Big Green: Jim - Very interesting and thought provoking piece here.
(1) Although I tend to agree that the NCAA is an inherently corrupt organization, what "problem" are we trying to solve, specifically? Are we just trying to replace an apparently corrupt NCAA with a more legitimate organization because it is simply the right thing to do?
(2) ...part of your proposal that deals with student athlete remuneration, is it uniform for all the athletes on each team (such as all scholaship football players receiving the same stipend)? How would you deal with booster impropriety here such es providing extra benefits to players? I don't see how your proposal would do anything to prevent this.
1. Yes. Let's bring honesty to the arrangement that exploits athletes and let the NCAA do what it was designed to do. Everyone wins.
2. I think scholarship athletes should all receive the same stipend, and "stars" — such as "Johnny Football" Maizel — should make more if they can successfully market themselves. Boosters should embrace this. For instance, they could add to the stipend, as a group. Again, market competition. Maybe limits to booster contributions, but I'm not wed to that.
Apr '12
Re: Time for College Football to Issue a Declaration of Independence from the NCAA
Devereaux
Yes, Rachel. That's why Alabama handed Notre Dame its lunch. · 27 minutes ago
I agree, SEC corruption probably played a role. But do we have to beat the cheaters by joining them? That would be sad.
Edited on February 27, 2013 at 5:04pmJan '12
Re: Time for College Football to Issue a Declaration of Independence from the NCAA
Jim Lakely
1. Yes. Let's bring honesty to the arrangement that exploits athletes and let the NCAA do what it was designed to do. Everyone wins.
2. I think scholarship athletes should all receive the same stipend, and "stars" — such as "Johnny Football" Maizel — should make more if they can successfully market themselves. Boosters should embrace this. For instance, they could add to the stipend, as a group. Again, market competition. Maybe limits to booster contributions, but I'm not wed to that. · 5 minutes ago
1. I disagree that athletes are being "exploited". If they are being exploited, why do so many of them want an athletic scholarship even under the current arrangement? If it was so awful for them, I would guess fewer would want to do it. They are free to make the choice.
2. If Boosters can add to the stipend, then clearly the Alabamas and Ohio States will most assuredly be able to add more to the pot than say, Kansas. I know you are not wedded to it but we try and limit it today....to $0. Any new limit will be just as difficult to enforce as the current one.
Jul '10
Re: Time for College Football to Issue a Declaration of Independence from the NCAA
Rachel Lu
Devereaux
Yes, Rachel. That's why Alabama handed Notre Dame its lunch. · 27 minutes ago
I agree, SEC corruption probably played a role. But do we have to beat the cheaters by joining them. That would be sad. · 6 minutes ago
I wasn't judging - just observing.
Jan '12
Re: Time for College Football to Issue a Declaration of Independence from the NCAA
Why is there so much more integrity in Division II sports when most of them provide some form of athletic scholarships of one form or another? How do the provide scholarships yet maintain integrity?
May '10
Re: Time for College Football to Issue a Declaration of Independence from the NCAA
SEC corruption?!? Dave Carter to the White Courtesy Phone. Dave Carter, you have a call on the White Courtesy Phone....
Jan '12
Re: Time for College Football to Issue a Declaration of Independence from the NCAA
Folks on here should not underestimate the fact that collegiate athletics are so valuable, in large part, due to their affiliation with schools. If there is too much separation, I would argue that interest would decline significantly and so, in turn, would value. If they, in fact, become nothing but minor league professional franchises. In some parts of the country, this very well could work but in many parts it would not.
The rah-rah, may alma mater is better than yours or my state is better than yours plays a huge role in this.
Think AAA minor league baseball versus MLB. Big, big difference.
May '10
Re: Time for College Football to Issue a Declaration of Independence from the NCAA
I hate to say this, primarily because that's how I make my living, but bad things happen when the television trucks show up.
Dec '12
Re: Time for College Football to Issue a Declaration of Independence from the NCAA
AAA baseball is meaningless because its competitions lack integrity. Teams are owned and operated for the sole purpose of feeding players to their major league affiliates. A team must relinquish players mid-season at another team's need. Look at the history of the old AAA Baltimore Orioles and how it was forced to affiliate.
Had Walter O'Malley (the third most evil person of the 20th Century) not moved the Dodgers to LA, the PCL would have become the third major league.
In order to make minor-league baseball a real competition, a few things would have to happen:
That might be the only cure for the Cubs.
May '11
Re: Time for College Football to Issue a Declaration of Independence from the NCAA
This is ridiculous.
Anyone who would write a post like yours has never played collegiate athletics or spent any time around college athletes. There are over 100 NCAA division 1 college football teams. There are 80- 100 players on each team. The kids you speak of, who are only enrolled in school to enhance their NFL prospects, are a tiny minority. On a great team, one that is perpetually a top 25 ranked program, there are maybe 10 players who fit your criteria. The other 90 players are there to play when they can, get a free education, and move on with their lives.
Conservatives hate to be stereotyped, so please stop perpetuating the one about the dumb jock.
Jan '12
Re: Time for College Football to Issue a Declaration of Independence from the NCAA
Eric Jablow
AAA baseball is meaningless because its competitions lack integrity. Teams are owned and operated for the sole purpose of feeding players to their major league affiliates. A team must relinquish players mid-season at another team's need. Look at the history of theold AAA Baltimore Orioles and how it was forced to affiliate.
Eric - I never said AAA baseball is meaningless...those are your words. You make a good point here about AAA teams not controlling their destiny and the negative impact that has on fan interest. However, plenty of people love the AAA game because of the very fact that they believe the players play harder and there is more integrity in the individual performances.
That said, if you don't like my analogy with AAA baseball, insert the Continental Basketball Association instead. None of those teams were affiliated with, or owned or operated by NBA teams. Maybe that is a better analogy for you. Point being, the fact that NCAA athletics are associated with specific schools and the student body (irrespective of matter of degree) plays a huge role in the value of it.
Jan '12
Re: Time for College Football to Issue a Declaration of Independence from the NCAA
EJHill
I hate to say this, primarily because that's how I make my living, but bad things happen when the television trucks show up. · 8 hours ago
EJ - Fair point, which I think has a lot of truth to it.
We might have a "controlled" experiment on this TV truck idea though. NBC Sports just renewed a contract with the Ivy League (officially no athletic scholarships) to televise one football and one basketball game each week. Now all we need is some objective criteria to measure the amount of "bad things" that are happening.
May '10
Re: Time for College Football to Issue a Declaration of Independence from the NCAA
Make of this what you will, but of the Top 25 BCS schools (10/21/12 rankings) only three had graduation rates above 90% for their football programs: Notre Dame, Rutgers & Stanford.
The average grad rate among the Top 25 programs was 69.2%.
Edited on February 27, 2013 at 3:54pmAug '12
Re: Time for College Football to Issue a Declaration of Independence from the NCAA
Folks should not underestimate the importance of the men's basketball tournament contract with CBS. This contract in and of itself pays the operating costs of the NCAA for the whole year. Everything else they make (other TV, corporate sponsorship, etc.) is gravy.