The unrivaled amount of cash poured into the college athletic system has made sports programs breeding grounds for corruption while diverting crucial resources from the academic mission of universities. Like money in Washington politics, the influence bought by a complex set of self-interested actors seriously undermines movement toward reform…

At Southern Methodist University, the athletic problems were merely the tip of the iceberg. The real scandal was the way the university was organized and run. Some implications for American higher education in general are presented. (MLW)

Colleges and universities can avoid student litigation if they adopt clearly defined objectives, grading procedures, classroom expectations, and appeals procedures. (Author/MSE)

Governing boards have to understand the money-and-power issues affecting intercollegiate athletics: coaches (their compensation and the hiring process); money from revenue-producing sports; money from other sources, such as booster clubs; and the impact of the National Collegiate Athletic Association. (Author/MLW)