Lots of good posts by lots of posters more knowledgeable than me. So, this is just a matter of analysis and opinion on my part and the arguments of others that I agree with. Feel free (as always) to disagree and tear it apart.
To clarify my position regarding the NCAA:
When it comes to revenue producing sports, the NCAA will do (regulate) whatever is in its best interest.
Right now the best interest of the NCAA is whatever the P5 tells them it is.
In Division 1 the NCAA is composed of 2 groups the “INs” and the “OUTs” The INs are the “P5”, I know that’s a football term, but it succinctly describes a group that controls a huge portion of sports revenue; TV revenue, attendance revenue, athletic department budget, and access to the football playoff system. About the only large dollar thing they don’t directly control is the basketball playoff system.
The P5 has implied on several occasions that if they don’t get their way on rules changes that are important to them, they could form their own athletics association separate and distinct from the NCAA, not just in football, but in all revenue producing sports. That would be a disaster for the NCAA and the basketball playoff system as we know it.
The P5 is a cartel and they know how to use their power, both dollars and institutional. To them the NCAA is only a shell, a puppet to be used by the P5 for marketing and regulatory purposes. If the NCAA had a spine the P5 removed it and disposed of it a long time ago.
To be fair, in non-revenue sports and in Div. II and Div. III, the NCAA provides a reasonable structure for schools and athletes to operate in.
As it applies to this situation, the P5 will back the rules that will help them dominate a sport. If a rule change causes a flow of top notch athletes from the mid majors to the P5, then it will be approved. If it could lead to a flow in the opposite direction then it will not be approved. The best interest of the student-athlete is given some weight, but is of secondary importance.
One final thought: Mark Emmert is, was, and always will be a putz.
Way to long a post for me, apologies.