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I think that some Notre Dame alumni, fans, administrators do not grasp the change that has occurred in college sports.

With the development of cable television, and ESPN in particular, the "big game" that everyone feels they must see is a rarity. (The Ohio State/Michigan game was a ratings grabber this year, but many other great rivaly games did not live up to their historic appeal - Oklahoma/Texas; Auburn/Alabama, Notre Dame/USC...)

The NBC contract has been a cash cow for Notre Dame, but has diminished their viewing audience since they compete with so many other games on a Saturday afternoon.

Notre Dame still has a cache', but does not get the adrenaline pumping as in the past. The Board of Trustees may not realize it, but joining a conference, and ending the "uniqueness" that WAS Notre Dame may be what they need.

Being a conference champ, and not just an "Independent" may be what the doctor ordered....or should order.

Points well taken. Some ND alumni, certainly those who have signed on to "The Letter" are well aware of the changing environment in CFB. The problems they would like to see corrected lie within the institution that is ND itself.

Over the tenure of the current Univ Pres. Ed "Monk" Malloy there has been a gradual deterioration of the storied football program. A new culture has taken hold of du Lac, transforming it before the eyes of her many devoted alumni, and friends.

"Monk" and his many BOT devotee are delighted to "brand name" the Fighting Irish, reaping monetary rewards from the football program through lucrative merchandising. Yet, they would allow the program to continue its death spiral without making any effort to affect this disturbing trend.

"The Letter" is an attempt by concerned ND alumni to call attention to those who have apparently shruged off their sense of duty to protect and restore a tradition that made ND a successful Catholic University.