ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1997, Roanoke Times
DATE: Tuesday, January 14, 1997 TAG: 9701140070
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B1 EDITION: METRO
DATELINE: NASHVILLE, TENN.
SOURCE: ASSOCIATED PRESS
DIVISION I ATHLETES on scholarship can now hold part-time jobs.
The NCAA's Division I schools voted Monday to let student-athletes hold part-time jobs, a revolutionary step that triggered more than an hour of bitter, confused debate.
The move is a radical departure for the NCAA, which earlier in the day put the finishing touches on a vast new restructuring plan.
The debate on the part-time job measure took on a Keystone Kops appearance when the session was adjourned temporarily while experts huddled on what effect it would have on NCAA bylaws.
As finally approved by a 169-150 vote, the measure lets Division I athletes hold part-time jobs whenever they want during the academic year. But they can be paid only the difference between the value of their scholarship and the full cost of attendance at their school, which can vary greatly from one institution to the next.
For example, if a football scholarship at Oklahoma is valued at $15,000 per year and the cost of attendance for an out-of-state student is set at $18,000, an out-of-state football player could earn up to $3,000.
While approved by the total of Division I schools, the measure actually was voted down 51-61 by Division I-A, the major powers. But as part of Division I, they, too, must abide by the new rule.
In another major move, a new federated system, putting college presidents and conferences in control, will take effect Aug. 1. No longer will Division I schools meet once a year under one roof with the smaller schools and vote individually on policy and rules.
Speaking passionately against the system was David Baker, a special assistant to the president of Wyoming.
Wyoming, despite losing only two games, was excluded from the bowls this year and WAC champion Brigham Young was snubbed by the bowl alliance. Baker noted the conferences in the alliance also will be the ones in control of Division I.
``We're building a house in Division I that will shelter the six conferences that divided $95 million of $100 million'' in bowl revenues, Baker said.
LENGTH: Short : 49 linesby CNB