The True Cost Of College Sports

Originally posted in a LVRJ Forum

In the current biennium the state appropriation for UNR Intercollegiate Athletics (Division 1) is $5.8M/yr. The corresponding appropriation for UNLV is $7.9M/yr.

See AB-562 Section 17 (2009).

The intangible costs are even higher. Compromised admission standards (nonexistent, really), junk departments maintained to provide jocks with academic cover, distraction for Administration, etc. Indeed, the true cost of Division 1 is closer to the ENTIRE cost of UNLV, since without sports popular support for the school would be severely damaged. Voters might decide UNLV is not worth keeping.

Hey UNLV jocks. Enjoy the taxpayer provided steak and potatoes while you can. Your teams are going to be cut! You'll be relieved to know that your Jockology degree programs (like University Studies) are safe. That can't eliminate your basketweaving requirement without making you guys academically ineligble to play.