With some of the biggest names in collegiate athletics attending IMG’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum in New York City, many of the major issues on the table were discussed. Among those issues were the possibility of giving scholarship athletes stipend to help cover the full cost of attendance, and how the NCAA members with the most influence can go about governing themselves in order to provide that additional help.
Of course other topics were broached as well, including NCAA president Mark Emmert’s thoughts on the critiques of the current system made by ESPN color commentator Jay Bilas. Bilas has been outspoken in his criticism of the NCAA and of Emmert specifically, arguing that the current system needs to be changed.
On Wednesday, Emmert offered up words regarding Bilas’ critiques of the system and how much knowledge the former Duke forward has when it comes to running an organization such as the NCAA.
NCAA prez Mark Emmert on @JayBilas .. "I don't like the ad hominem attacks" but says he respects his passion.
— Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeldmanCFB) December 11, 2013
Mark Emmert on @JayBilas: “I dare say I know more about running complex organizations than him & he knows more about basketball.”
— Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeldmanCFB) December 11, 2013
Of course Bilas took to Twitter to issue his response to Emmert’s statements regarding his knowledge on how to run an organization such as the NCAA.
@BFeldmanCBS He's absolutely correct on the latter. The former, perhaps not so much.
— Jay Bilas (@JayBilas) December 11, 2013
@BFeldmanCBS if by "ad hominem," he means many agree with me, he's correct. They're not attacks. The criticism is fair, and right on.
— Jay Bilas (@JayBilas) December 11, 2013
With there being so many issues that need to be addressed when evaluating the long-term viability of the NCAA, there won’t be a lack of conversation in the coming months. But how about these two, with a moderator of course, discuss these issues on television? I’d watch it, and it could prove to be more fruitful than simply going back and forth by way of the media.