Historically present murmurs over the commercialization of college sports have increased in volume with the House Ways and Means’ recent letter to the NCAA which throws into question the continuation of its tax-exempt status. This a remarkably short-sighted threat with ramifications not just on the athletics programs we know and love, but on higher education itself.
The incredible societal gain universities pump out comes at the cost of billions of dollars a year. An attack on athletics is an assault on an altogether too rare, financially self-sustaining part of a university.
Despite having a negligible budget in comparison to the university’s operating budget, Maryland’s Athletics Department has given the university back about $6 million a year since the hemorrhaging budget cuts of 2002. This is a remarkable and significant contribution that should not be threatened.
Coaches of major programs such as football and basketball have been under scrutiny as well. The Diamondback ran an article on Nov. 28th that noted Friedgen’s almost $1.7 million in total compensation dwarfs the highest paid professor in the university, who took in $250,000.
As uncomfortable as this disparity might appear to be, it’s unfair to compare the salaries of Fridge and Gary to professors. They are higher education figures who bring not only societal benefit, but generate far more revenue than their salary. It is with no insincerity that we can declare educators as amazing and sorely underappreciated, but they don’t have the financial Midas touch major coaches have.
If Congress really wants to stick its nose where it doesn’t belong, why not focus on graduation rates? Despite the glory college sports can bring, the vast majority of athletes will be unable to enter professional ranks. It is the obligation of the university to ensure these students are adequately prepared for non-sporting careers, and prodding along these lines couldn’t hurt.
But what is inappropriate is the focus on killing a golden goose of higher education. As long as the Athletics Departments and their coaches are running smooth, honest programs, Congress needs to leave well enough alone.
