Ryan Young ·Writer Wed, July 20, 2022 https://www.yahoo.com/sports/california-governor-gavin-newsom-demands-explanation-for-ucla-move-to-big-ten-022543342.html Gavin Newsom wants an explanation. "The California governor, who spoke at the UC Board of Regents meeting in San Francisco on Wednesday, demanded that UCLA give a public explanation about how its move to the Big Ten Conference will benefit student-athletes and the school's partnership with UC Berkeley. The move to the Big Ten has put Berkeley and the Pac-12 conference in jeopardy of losing millions in media rights revenue and more. While Newsom wants an explanation, one benefit is already clear. The Big Ten’s next media rights deal is reportedly expected to be worth more than $1 billion. That will significantly help the Bruins’ athletic department, which is reportedly in debt and was on the verge of cutting several sports entirely before the move".
Gee. Maybe the NEXT Billion might go to something connected with students and learning. Yeah, I know-- wishful thinking. "If it don't fill a stadium -- it don't count."
Those gobs of money don't filter down very well into the academic system, Rich. If they did, maybe they'd reflect in reduced tuition - and they sure hell don't. Besides, the University sports department mentioned was losing money - not unusual these days. Perhaps part of that is attributable to coaches making $5 - $6 million a season. That one person's salary would pay for oh- maybe 40 or 50 professors. The whole system is riddled with inequities and yes - scandals. Remember Jerry Sandusky at Penn State? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jerry_Sandusky You like University Sports? Fine. We have 'em here. But no crazy money. It's not a racket - it's sport. There's a difference. Universities should be about students and learning. This isn't that.
No, they don't. And I wasn't implying that. The gobs of money earned in college basketball and football mostly get plowed back into athletic programs. Some of that stash cash goes to fund non-revenue sports. But a lot often goes to better facilities (athletic, dining, etc.) for....wait for it....athletes (especially men's basketball and football--the revenue generators). Those facilities are also a prime factor in....again, wait for it....recruiting more athletes! Now, I understand that universities are involved in this somehow, but I've never been able to discern the connection.
Athletics Departments are one entity securely embedded in another. A separate fiefdom, as it were. Like DC, which is 10 counties of Maryland and Virginia. Or maybe the Vatican. But way more pernicious than either, as I see it. More like the Kremlin, perhaps.
