Winning as a priority

Roy Kramer, former commissioner
Southeastern Conference
USA Today

Discussing the recent dismissals of Division I-A football coaches just a few years into their contracts:

"You've got schools that are extremely strong academically. But they still fall into the process (of quick dismissal if the program doesn't win enough). It doesn't reflect as well as it should, in my opinion, as to what we should be about in college athletics.

"With all we're attempting to do with the integrity of the game and a commitment to doing it the right way and the requirements we're placing on our programs with regard to academics -- which I think are good -- (for schools) to step up and make some of the decisions I saw this year concerns me. I'm not sure what kind of a message we're sending out there to coaches. Presidents or boards of trustees are saying, 'Well, all that (other stuff) is fine. But the real bottom line is winning.' "

William Friday, president emeritus
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
USA Today

"The fundamental question that (the recent firings) speaks to is: Who controls intercollegiate sports? Is it the alumni? Is it the money-givers? Is it the people who are loud and noisy? That relates to the more basic question (of) what's this doing to the integrity of the university itself. You can't hold yourself out to be the teacher of moral principles and have episodes going on like we've had the last 10 or 12 months. It's got to stop."

Bowl Championship Series

Kevin Weiberg, commissioner
Big 12 Conference
USA Today

Discussing his opposition to the idea of a selection committee that would choose BCS participants:

"I believe this is a system built around bowl games, and it's important for bowls to have the opportunity to select teams that make sense for them inside that structure."

Bob Stoops, head football coach
University of Oklahoma
New York Times

Discussing how a Division I-A playoff would affect the regular season:

"One factor I would fear is that like college basketball, (a playoff) places less value on the regular season and everyone gets March Madness for the tournament. You don't want January Madness and everyone forgets about November and December."