Should Division III monitor academic performance?

A report earlier this week from an ongoing Mellon Foundation-funded study of student-athletes' academic performance was interesting in its own right - particularly to the subset of the Division III membership that voluntarily is participating in the effort and submitting data for use in assessing the "representativeness" of athletes compared to those schools' student bodies.

However, for the much larger segment of Division III's approximately 450 active and provisional members that are not participating in the College Sports Project study, its primary importance is as a reminder of the pledge all of those schools have made in the division's philosophy statement to the concept of representativeness.

It also raises for discussion a recent suggestion by the Division III Presidents Council, in its recent series of "white papers" on membership issues, that the division consider creating some sort of academic-reporting process to assist schools in checking adherence to that principle.

Diversity hiring is right, smart

By NCAA President Myles Brand

There will be more head coaches of color at NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision schools than ever in history when the 2009 season gets underway. And more were hired than ever before at the end of the 2008 season. Since 2005, the number has increased by 300 percent.

I'm encouraged, but I'm sure not ready to declare victory.

Salary vs. scholarship: Should student-athletes decide?

I'll admit to a guilty pleasure: I usually enjoy reading Indianapolis Star columnist Bob Kravitz. He's kind of an acquired taste, but usually reasonable in an edgy sort of way.

Last week, however, I thought he whiffed by suggesting that Division I athletes be offered a choice between a full scholarship and a salary of $25,000 with no requirement that they go to class.

Final Four betting ban is the correct call

The NCAA recently announced an agreement with the government of Ontario (Canada) to suspend betting on NCAA Division I basketball games starting March 30 through April 6 at Caesars Windsor.

The suspension of gambling activities at the establishment coincides with the 2009 Men's Final Four, which will be played in Detroit and which is located just across the Canadian/American border from Windsor, Ontario.