Big Ten’s Delany lays out freshman ineligibility plan

Big Ten Commissioner Jim Delany says making freshmen ineligible in college football and basketball could help correct the imbalance between athletics and academics.

In a 12-page letter titled “Education First, Athletics Second: The Time for a National Discussion is Upon Us” and sent to media members Friday, Delany reiterated why he believes a so-called year of readiness would be beneficial at this “critical moment in the evolution of intercollegiate athletics.”

The letter is not a proposal, he wrote. He did, however, lay out a plan to raise scholarship limits in FBS football and Division I men’s basketball and add scholarships in women’s sports to stay compliant with Title IX.

The increased costs would be covered with money from TV and media rights deals for the College Football Playoff and NCAA men’s basketball tournament.

“If we cannot defend — through an examination of actions and results as opposed to words — that education is the paramount factor in our decision- making process ( rivaled only by the health and safety of our student- athletes), then the enterprise stands as a house of cards,” Delany wrote.

Since February, Delany has been pushing the idea of again making freshmen ineligible to compete in football and basketball. NCAA rules prohibited freshmen from competing in all sports until the early 1970s.

Delany points out that by NCAA graduation rates and Academic Progress Rates, football and men’s basketball were the weakest performing sports from 2009- 13. He said there is some evidence showing athletes generally do better academically out of season. Sitting out would especially benefit those who come to college underprepared for the course work, he writes. But it goes beyond academics.

“First and foremost, requiring a year of readiness would make clear to prospects that they have a choice. On one hand, they would be free to pursue their sport as a vocation.