History Shows Us That Athletes Have The Power To Enable Change

Much ink has already been spilled and much will continue to spill with respect to the racial unrest, hunger strike, leadership resignations/reshuffling and the unified, coach supported, football protest at the University of Missouri. For those now reflecting on these events for the first time, remember this: these tensions did not develop out of thin […]

Learning From Pat Haden’s Decision To Fire Steve Sarkisian

In truth, we will never really know the thought process behind USC’s choice to hire and and Haden’s decision to fire Steve Sarkisian. That truth will remain buried in Haden’s psyche. The same could be said for understanding Haden’s recent abrupt departure from the CFP committee – a deeply influential, highly regarded group.   But, we do know that pundits […]

Helping College Students “Roll:” A Strategy for Improving Academic Success and Physical Well-Being

By: Alison Blake and Karen Gross A recent article in the New York Times suggested that college student stress levels are so high, they are being allowed to bring pets to live with them on campus.  It is true: animals can help and many students comment that what they miss most about home is their […]

CHEATED: Our Response To The UNC Scandal And Beyond, Part 2

This article is is a continuation from a post last week. The original article can be found here.   Suppose we change the eligibility rules for college athletes in the moneyed sports.  Instead of having not had the current entry requirements (minimum SATS, courses etc.) and the ongoing GPA and academic progress requirements, we offered a different […]

CHEATED: Our Response To The UNC Scandal And Beyond, Part 1

I recently completed Jay Smith and Mary Willingham’s relatively new book, Cheated: The UNC Scandal, the Education of Athletes, and the Future of Big-Time College Sports (2015). Well, it is quite the read. Even if only half of the details are accurate (and I have no reason to suspect inaccuracies but you never can be […]

Reactions to “Breaking Cardinal Rules” and the Louisville Basketball Debacle

I have now read the just released book Breaking Cardinal Rules by Katina Powell and Dick Cady. I have also read many of the news stories on the alleged “prostitution scandal” involving players on, and recruits interested in, the famed Rick Pitino coached Louisville basketball team. Obviously, it is too early to assess the truth […]