Given the enormous broadcasting revenues at stake, the NCAA faces a conflict between its sometimes-contradictory roles as promoter and governor of intercollegiate athletics. Consequently, the NCAA cartel is incapable of reforming itself to stem the growth of commercialism. Worse yet, reform is impeded by greed, fanatic sports fans, a mostly apathetic public and inconsistent government tax policies that benefit not only the NCAA, but also wealthy sports-crazed donors, many of whom are influential trustees who use their school’s athletic programs as ego-boosting playthings..
