Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, March 7, 1991 TAG: 9103070254
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C6 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: WASHINGTON LENGTH: Short
In a report to the Knight Commission, which is studying possible reforms in college athletics, Harris said most groups it surveyed rated the NCAA negatively on controlling excesses.
"It seems evident that the most decisive step the NCAA could take to turn around confidence in it would be to give the college presidents firm control of intercollegiate sports," Harris said.
Harris said his organization polled a cross-section of the adult population, 75 Division I college presidents, 75 Division I athletic directors, 76 coaches of men's basketball and football, 75 faculty members and other groups.
Harris said majorities of every campus group except for coaches favored presidential control of athletics.
"My view is that reform is possible and even probable," he said. "But the presidents will need stiffer backbones, the trustees will have to close ranks, the faculty will have to come out of their academic shells and take part."
In summing up findings as to what people think is wrong with college athletic programs, Harris said "that the academic program is not being given a proper priority over the athletic program; big-time athletics are designed to get favorable publicity for the school and to please the alumni rather than to give the student-athletes a decent and sound education; and TV money is far too dominant a factor."
by CNB