In a previous blog I proposed that the “world of sports” is divided into two different domains calling for different sets of actions. I propose that these two, college and professional, are collapsed into each other. It is hard for me to see how that could be effective … like playing cricket and baseball on the same field.

In the role of sports television there are few rules, if any, and no interest in enforcing them anyway. This doesn’t mean that TV is the bad guy. In their domain, they are undoubtedly doing the current “smart thing.” Meanwhile, colleges and pro’s alike are chasing the old adage, “follow the money.”

As in any game, there are rules. However, without enforcement the rules are just sound and fury. The NCAA rules are applied to 2,300 plus institutions which creates the game called “pick and choose” when it comes to enforcement. Harrass some and pay little attention to others. Also, in some conferences the game is “I won’t call you on yours if you don’t call me on mine.” Or, “Don’t worry, it’s a very large cookie jar”.

The NCAA rule book is a joke. Back in the day, when I began coaching in college I could slip the rule book into my back pocket. Now you need a small boy with a little red wagon to haul it around.

So, you might be thinking, “is there a solution?” Here is a possibility. Not an answer but, a process to be fine tuned as we go. Throw out the current rule book. Then, have representatives of college and pro sports plus the world of television sit down together and create 10 (not a magic number) rules that make sense. The primary purpose is to work together in integrity. Honor each other by keeping your word.

The cost of not playing well together? Loss of TV revenue. Loss of the rights to participate as well. Not forever, but for very significant time frames. The slaps on the wrists of offenders in today’s world are a joke. I think graduation rates, in many cases, are a joke. Universities and professionals should be able to answer this question—”Have we prepared and supported the athlete in being an asset and a contributor to society?” Consider the possibility.
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