The following were published during 1992, the year that the Comment page of The NCAA News was redesigned into its current format.

Conference realignment

James E. Delany, commissioner
Big Ten Conference
Houston Chronicle

“Change is never over. I don’t know that one conference triggers expansion around the country. Although it may be perceived by individuals or the media that way, that’s probably only half true. Realignment occurs for a variety of reasons.

“Realignment has been going on for about 15 years. If you look at all Division I schools and conferences, a vast majority have experienced realignment over the past 15 years. Where did the Big East come from? Where did the Metro and the Sun Belt and the Missouri Valley come from? How did Arizona and Arizona State get in the Pac-10?

“The reason we expanded for Penn State was it was a like institution that expressed an interest in us. Everybody wanted to point to television. But for television, it was probably break even for them, break even for us. It wouldn’t have occurred but for the fact it was a peer institution in a contiguous state.” (August 5, 1992)

Diversity in coaching

John Chaney, head men’s basketball coach
Temple University
The Associated Press

“I look at Division I basketball, and there aren’t enough black coaches there, either (compared to Division I-A football).

“I honestly believe it’s because we have not had an aggressive approach to recruiting at any level. Aspirations diminish. We find people become disinterested in seeking opportunities. Cutting back in internship programs hurts. That’s where a young coach can get a chance. And they’ve got to be able to afford to work for nothing. That just doesn’t happen....

“Many guys can’t afford to work for $13,000 or $14,000 a year. You can’t feed a family on that, but that’s all you can give a part-time coach. It’s economic gridlock. If you need two jobs, there’s something wrong with your first job.” (August 5, 1992)

Ron Brown, assistant football coach
University of Nebraska, Lincoln
Minneapolis Star Tribune

“White clergymen were saying, ‘Martin, don’t push too hard, it’s going to take a little time.’ Dr. King replied: ‘Why must we wait for what is due to us and what was promised to us in the founding of this country?’

“I’m asking the same question 30 years later. Why do we have to wait more? Patience is a powerful virtue, but at some point, there needs to be a sense of urgency in performing justice.” (September 28, 1992)

Athletics reform

Rev. Theodore Hesburgh, former president
University of Notre Dame
The Washington Post

“There is always going to be a problem of corruption in any human organization. We’re under no illusions that even if 100 percent of the Knight (Foundation) Commission’s directive were put into law...that that would be the end of all the problems.

“It’s pretty obvious that more (reform) has taken place in the last two years than in the previous 30 or 40 years.” (November 9, 1992)