[teejers1]

Finally, at what level does Stanford have enough ethical concerns to pull out?
I think Stanford stays in the game almost no matter what, most likely just with football and basketball teams that are less competitive. Firstly, Stanford has a of immense proportions investment already sunk into big time athletics - both in concrete facility terms and in self-identification. Secondly, they saw the firestorm that erupted when they attempted to drop some minor sports and can anticipate how that would scale up if it were football and basketball.

Great post and questions to ponder.

But I disagree that Stanford pulling out of football and hoops in this "pay the athletes" environment - if it expands/devolves in the manner many think it will - will engender the same kind outrage/opposition that the 11-sports cut did.  That's because any college educated kid - even the avid sports fan - can see that what they're trying to save does not resemble the "college athletics" they supported and loved for years.  That's essentially what Goose said, and I agree.

P.S.  Loved the quote from Saban re: NIL - something along lines of "I'm not sure how this will all shake out, but it won't be even."  Ya think???

[teejers1]

Finally, at what level does Stanford have enough ethical concerns to pull out?
I think Stanford stays in the game almost no matter what, most likely just with football and basketball teams that are less competitive. Firstly, Stanford has a of immense proportions investment already sunk into big time athletics - both in concrete facility terms and in self-identification. Secondly, they saw the firestorm that erupted when they attempted to drop some minor sports and can anticipate how that would scale up if it were football and basketball.

Great post and questions to ponder.

But I disagree that Stanford pulling out of football and hoops in this "pay the athletes" environment - if it expands/devolves in the manner many think it will - will engender the same kind outrage/opposition that the 11-sports cut did.  That's because any college educated kid - even the avid sports fan - can see that what they're trying to save does not resemble the "college athletics" they supported and loved for years.  That's essentially what Goose said, and I agree.

P.S.  Loved the quote from Saban re: NIL - something along lines of "I'm not sure how this will all shake out, but it won't be even."  Ya think???