Internal NCAA report reveals worries over athlete pay, lawsuits amid amateurism debate
Last spring, an
NCAA working group gathered at a Dallas-area hotel to discuss a strategic vision for the billion-dollar organization.
Each attendee received a 44-page report marked “Privileged and Confidential — Not for Distribution” filled with anonymous feedback from top college athletics officials. The document, obtained by The Times through a public records request, provides a rare look into the unfiltered thoughts of 52 university presidents and chancellors, athletic directors, conference commissioners, NCAA staffers and others on key issues facing the organization.
There are concerns about media coverage of the NCAA, plaudits for initiatives to improve the health and academic success of athletes, worry about the influence of money, frustration with the organization’s thick rule book and widespread apprehension regarding the future of amateurism, lawsuits and whether athletes should be able to make money off their name, image and likeness.
“The general public does not view the NCAA in a positive light. There was a huge communication plan to fix this, but then the scandals ruined that,” one person said in response to a question about an opportunity the organization should leverage.
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The report, completed in the months before name, image and likeness became a topic of national discussion, shows the diverging views on whether the NCAA should change. NCAA President Mark Emmert and 13 focus groups were among those who provided input.
Should the NCAA double down on fundamental principles like amateurism? Or revamp the concept in response to changing times?
“Using the word ‘amateurism’ is a loser long term,” one respondent said. “We are the only ones left who use it. It’s a lack of credibility issue. We are using the word … because we have to with these lawsuits.”