Wednesday, July 20, 2011

NCAA: THE PROBLEM IS TITLE IX-THAT'S NOT WHAT WALTER BYERS SAYS

One of the arguments made is that Title IX is the cause of the financial problems of many college programs.  Walter Byers addressed that argument in his book Unsportsmanlike Conduct in 1995.  For those who don't know Byers, he served as executive director of the NCAA from 1951 to 1987. Among other things, he started the NCAA enforcement program, pioneered a national academic rule for athletes and negotiated more than 50 television contracts.

In his book he says the following about Title IX:

     The costs of Title IX and the entry of women into the big time should not be blamed for today's      highly publicized financial problems for college sports.  Two-platoon football was the culprit in the 1960s, and Title IX was held responsible in the 1980s.  As we enter the 1990s, the complaints of insolvency are louder than ever.  The most frequently proposed cures are a national football playoff and conference realignments to gain more TV dollars.  AT THE HEART OF THE PROBLEM IS AN ADDICTION TO LAVISH SPENDING. (emphasis added).


He goes on to say that Presidents and Athletic Directors like the power, status, prestige and attention from prominent boosters that big time college programs bestow on them.

 Chris Hellums is the managing shareholder of Pittman Dutton & Hellums. He currently represents former Alabama wide receiver Tyrone Prothro in In Re NCAA Student-Athlete Name and Likeness Licensing Litigation, Case No. 09-cv-1967-CW.