Posted by frcsidevil on May 13, 08 at 15:06:25:
I don't get why people say this was brought on by Title IX. We were in Title IX compliance three days ago, and we added no men's sports or scholarships. I do get that if you are going to cut a program you must cut some men's to stay in compliance, but couldn't you simply cut men's and women's tennis? Or men's and women's swimming?
To me this is a department decision that was not forced by any gender equality. Instead, they think this is going to help their bottom line. ASU has clearly decided to go after the big money and try to be a premier institution in the large nationally prominent sports that bring more exposure and donations.
ASU has traditionally underperformed in alumni support and donation. Obviously they think that beefing up football and basketball will bring in more dollars from those alums that move back home after graduating and lose touch with their alma mater.
I fear that our days of high placement in the Sears Cup could be dwindling. Although it could end up helping the school in the end. Athletics were not the only department that benefited from the Jake-led Rose Bowl year. Pretty sure money came in for the alumni assoc and many other areas when people across the country were reminded of the Devils.
Hopefully the money will come sooner than later and other sports will not be cut.