I got to witness Dr. Emmert firsthand at a few NCAA conventions, and he is as arrogant as many people make him to be. My understanding is that the morale at NCAA office in Indianapolis has nosedived since he became president.
In his (only) defense, he has to defend NCAA rules. Any of the policies that he defends, such as not playing players, limits of how much and what kind of food student-athletes can eat, etc., can be overturned by member institutions, no matter his stance.
The NCAA is at a crossroads right now. It needs competent and unselfish leadership to get through this. I don't think is up to the task.