Vandy is probably breathing a collective sigh of relief, as are a lot of other elite schools. And they shouldn’t pat themselves on the back too hard; as we’ve learned, all it takes in one corrupt coach to identify rich kids as “recruited athlete,” and boom, you’re a part of the corruption club. And don’t tell me there aren’t some coaches leading “low revenue” teams at Vandy who see the fat checks and bennies given to the football, basketball and baseball coaches, and wouldn’t be tempted to “supplement” their income.
I’m sure you’re right. To me the biggest question raised by this, and it’s not one that the media is asking: “Why do coaches get to decide to admit unqualified applicants to schools?”
In a “revenue” sport, which is it’s own logical and moral conundrum, I can understand it. We need to at least be able to compete, and the other schools are full of ringers so we need some ringers too or it will be embarrassing.
But why does the SAILING team need ringers? Why is there a sailing team? Even Division III schools do this stuff. Who cares about Carleton’s lacrosse team? Alumni? I can’t believe it. Other students? No one goes to D-III sports contests.
The connection between colleges and athletics is not something that makes sense. It’s an historical accident.