NEW YORK (AP) — NCAA President Mark Emmert is still determined to provide college athletes with $2,000 for expenses not covered by scholarships.
Convincing schools to go along with that might be as much about changing perceptions as changing the proposal.
In a surprise move last January, the Division I Board of Directors delayed implementing the stipends in the face of criticism from many colleges. The plan is still on hold, with a working group creating options that address the membership’s concerns. But Emmert reiterated Wednesday his commitment to putting it into effect.
Still, the proposals can be tweaked only so much. The biggest key to implementing the stipends may be changing schools’ mindsets.
That can include public pressure. Emmert chides athletic programs that make major decisions in attempts to generate more revenue, then complain they can’t afford a stipend.
