The unrelenting downturn in the economy is a hot-button issue in college athletic departments, the same as at your kitchen table.
“Everybody you talk to, that’s the topic of conversation,” says Mike Cleary, executive director of the 6,500-member National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics. “I don’t care how big and how wealthy they are, this is going to impact everybody.”
Many Division I athletic departments have increased their spending at a higher annual rate than their universities have in recent years. Now, many are looking at decreases. That’s a fundamental change. NCAA President Myles Brand worries some schools could eliminate less-visible sports.