TV Networks vs Academics

In this new era of college sports, money is the only concern, and the TV Networks are the dictator running the game.

With the billions, not millions, up for grab, conferences like the SEC, BIG 10, PAC 12, and now the BIG 12, are all positioning themselves in markets where in the end, will make their conference look attractive to TV Networks and make for good competition that the fans want to see.

Universities at one time cared more about academics then they did about sports. Donors and ex-Alumni provided the funding, which made their universities credible and strong. With TV Networks as the new financial source for universities, academics are now an afterthought.

University donors and ex-alumni can also be held responsible for this new era in conference re-alignment; because it those two entities that have also fallen into the trap of believing that their university is only as good as where the TV Networks want to spend their money. In recent media, you hear about donors and ex-alumni pushing the arms of university presidents, trustees, and athletic directors to join a conference that could offer them more money. Pay no mind to the geographical location, the extra cost to travel, or the stress it may place on the athletes. The more money our university receives will make it all better.

So, where has our morals on academics gone? To our greed for more money, and the TV Networks.