Do tell? Hum. Interesting observation. My grandson is among the best in track in my state at long jump and hurdles. He just graduated high school as an Honors student and several school records in athletics. Oh and he has worked part time while doing this. He wasn't given any scholarships that would matter on academics because many do not offer track athletic scholarships. However a church affiliated university {a Conservative Christian Church} awarded him a full scholarship for four years. His career goal? To become a Surgeon.
One of his friends a quarterback at a rival school also top notch chose another church based college. He too earned an athletic scholarship and had chances for being in the Ivy League. Two smart and wise young men.
Yes some sports programs in colleges and universities have issues. So clean them up. It makes far more sense to have young men expending energy on a sport than time otherwise would be wasted elsewhere. Have a strict discipline policy that is the key. That is part of sports.
Now as for the more pressing realities. Most universities today academically are Marxist Stink Holes needing a Tenure fumigation and realistic curriculum of true career based courses. Rid the campuses of the Marxist teaching "Hey anything goes man" Marcuse disciples and watch the athletic department issues straighten out as well. Athletics when managed right can be beneficial for both students and the school. Yes it would also require a cleaning out of the NCAA management as well. Cut the number of people running it, develop basic rules all can understand without having to hire lawyers and play the game.