NCAA approves autonomy proposal as Power 5 conferences can set own rules
In a landmark decision never before seen of its kind, the NCAA Board of Directors on Thursday approved a new governance structure for Division I athletics that will give the five power conferences — SEC, ACC, BIG 10, BIG XII, PAC-12 — a level of unprecedented legislative autonomy.
The governance structure is subject to a 60-day veto period before its official. The Power 5 has the entire fall sports season to form an agenda that can be voted at the NCAA Convention in January with re-defining the full value of an athletic scholarship among the most crucial elements.
South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier has been a leading advocate for paying players and providing additional benefits to athletes for several years and it appears he’ll soon get his wish.
In May, SEC commissioner Mike Slive threatened a move to ‘Division IV’ if autonomy wasn’t approved. His discussion continued at SEC Media Days in Hoover.
Slive’s response to the NCAA’s decision:
Mike Slive on today's action by NCAA Board of Directors: "This is an opportunity for historic change in college athletics. …”
— Southeastern Conference (@SEC) August 7, 2014
Mike Slive on today's action by NCAA Board of Directors: "This is an opportunity for historic change in college athletics. …”
— Southeastern Conference (@SEC) August 7, 2014
Not all Power 5 members share the same sentiment.
Kansas State football coach Bill Snyder recently ripped the NCAA and said schools have ‘sold-out’ in the era of television deals and that education has taken an unfortunate back seat to athletics.
“We’re all about dollars and cents. The concept of college football no longer has any bearing on the quality of the person, the quality of students. Universities are selling themselves out,” Snyder said according to the Associated Press. “It’s no longer about education. We’ve sold out to the cameras over there, and TV has made its way, and I don’t fault TV.
“I don’t fault whoever broadcasts games. They have to make a living and that’s what they do, but athletics — that’s it. It’s sold out.”