Mike Lude, former director of athletics
University of Washington
Athletics Administration

"Athletics directors and faculty representatives of Division I-A are no longer involved in significant decision making. Committees are making decisions in which the entire membership of Division I-A should be significantly involved. The professionals in the trenches, the directors of intercollegiate athletics, have their fingers on the pulse of what is and should be happening better than anyone and, to a great degree, are being ignored.

"Many of us believed federation was the way to proceed. However, it appears to many dedicated professional administrators that it has turned out to be, sadly, an improper decision. ...

"I know there are some drastic approaches that can be taken to get (important NCAA issues) under control. However, I do not see conferences or the current NCAA structure as courageous enough to accomplish this."

Enforcement

Steve Fishman, attorney for former University of Michigan basketball players Maurice Taylor and Louis Bullock
Sports Illustrated

"Lying to the NCAA is one thing. Lying to a grand jury is another. That's perjury."

Reform

James N. Loughran, president
St. Peter's College
Washington Post

"Big-time college sports conflict not only with amateurism but also with academic integrity and the ideals of any good college; in the system that exists, this conflict is inescapable, and therefore, reform is impossible. (You must ) separate winning and money."

Membership

Doug Fullerton, commissioner
Big Sky Conference
Orlando Sentinel

Discussing proposals that would enhance Division I-A membership requirements:

"We're not trying to force anybody to do anything. What we're trying to do is get people to take a hard look at what they're doing. I think you'll see people will do what they need to do to stay I-A, at least initially."

Graduation rates

Gordon Gee, chancellor
Vanderbilt University
Times-Picayune (New Orleans)

Discussing his proposal that the Southeastern Conference base scholarship allocations on schools' graduation rates:

"Those who do not graduate any students should not have any athletics scholarships ... Very often what we do is we take student-athletes, and we shuttle them off into course work that is (not) legit. Once we have used them, we will abuse them. That is unfair. ...

"(I)ncreasingly we have universities in order to field football teams. If we can't control it, if it's controlling us, then we've got to draw a line somewhere. I think if we don't do it now, we inevitably will cross some line from which we can't return.

"The last time I checked, university presidents are in charge of college athletes, and the last time I checked, we're the ones who vote on these proposals. I think it's time for presidents to step forward and take responsibility. In the end, we're all paid very high salaries to make bold and decisive decisions."

Minority coaches

Kelvin Sampson, head men's basketball coach
University of Oklahoma
San Jose Mercury News

"It's amazing how many (football) coaches hire black assistants because they think it will help recruiting. I have three black assistants, and I hope all three become head coaches. But I don't want a guy to recruit. I want him to schedule and work with the administrations and gain your respect."

Division III

Walter Johnson, director of athletics
North Central College
Chicago Tribune

"I hear Division I athletes talk about how much they give and how much they get in return -- and the Division I institutions are getting a lot for how much time their athletes put in. But it's a lot easier when you don't have to worry about your next tuition payment.

"(Division III) athletes are going to leave college with debts of $10,000 to $15,000 for the opportunity to get on the court one last time. That sends a very good message about these young people, and you don't hear a lot about it."