Athletics and academe : an anatomy of abuses and a prescription for reform /

Bailey and Littleton, both former university administrators (Auburn), offer a firsthand view of the abuses in intercollegiate sports. Their writing, plus the direct quotes from confidential interviews with more than 20 CEOs of major colleges and universities, gives an insightful overview of the fundamental cause of these abuses, i.e., the alienation of athletics from the educational mission and ethical values of the university. The authors' use of medical metaphors to characterize these abuses as a "disease" clearly indicates the need of a proper diagnosis and prescription to control their spread. The authors first show the relationship between college sports and society, than discuss causes of abuse, both fundamental and contributing, along with an analysis of abuses in NCAA Division I-A schools. A prescription for reform is offered. The roles of the individuals and groups within the institution are identified, and the relationship between sports and academe is discussed. The authors give examples of changes needed in national legislation to reform college sports. In the last section the authors' prognosis, which is favorable, is dependent on needed reform starting at the highest level and reaching out to all constituents. Valuable and extensive endnotes. This well-conceived and well-written work should be required reading of coaches, athletic directors, faculty, and university CEOs and governing board members. It will also serve students of sport administration. -F. D. Handler, St. Bonaventure University