Why is this fiscal mismanagement? Universities have decided, very publicly through their action and continued support of Athletics that these are legitimate expenditures in terms of recruiting students, retaining students, university reputation, and student, community, alum and donor engagement. At most if not all universities the spend is likely a small % of overall budgets. Like 2-3-4%. The students, alums, communities, and donors expect positive results/experiences and when not delivered request changes fully knowing contracts will be “bought out” and the costs involved. Calling it dead money sure gets clicks I guess. It ain’t perfect. Just like no other industry is perfect. When it works, it can permanently change the trajectory of a university and community/region (Uconn, Virginia Tech, Gonzaga, etc). Or, provide waves of enrollment, engagement, donations, improvements, national awareness, etc. (Cincinnati, Coastal Carolina, and even OU at times). The students, athletes, and members of the public who are not interested in the model have plenty of other options. If there are areas of higher education or a community that someone thinks needs to be improved, by all means go advocate for that. But attacking Athletics means the focus in on Athletics, not those areas…. Anyway… I sure must have needed to rant, eh?. Awesome fall day in Southern Ohio… time to stop ranting and get outside….
Can somebody hit a pull up jumper for me?.....