Academics vs. Athletics......

Last year, Univ. of Cincinnati (UC) coach Bob Huggins was charged with DUI. He's been a marked man by the administration since then. This past week, UC president Dr. Nancy Zimpfer gave Huggins an ultimatum: Resign in the next 24 hours, or be fired. They managed to work out a deal whereby Huggins stays on for three more months and assists with the transition to a new coach. (Read the story here.)

One of the reasons cited by Dr. Zimpfer was that she wanted to raise the academic standard for university athletes. It's far too common that university athletes barely skate by on their academic achievements.

But I have to question the timing of this action. UC is joining the Big East conference this year. Without an exprienced coach like Huggins at the helm, how well would they do?

I also have to mention this: What does a sports program give a university? Name recognition and money. With some notable exceptions, many of the schools out there are primarily known through their football and basketball teams and programs. These teams generate lots of money, through ticket sales, merchandise (via logo licensing), and television contracts.

Comments? Discuss.