The Blitz: Reaction to Equity Story

What can be done to convince the NCAA Division I members to allot more money from the men’s basketball tournament to Divisions II and III? Also, news from the recruiting trail and Blinn adds former Midwestern State offensive lineman Kenyana Heard to its coaching staff.
Cory Hogue

On Monday, I published a look into how the operating budgets of NCAA Divisions II and III are determined by a percentage of the NCAA Division I men’s basketball tournament and whether DII and DIII are treated with equity.

The information in the piece wasn’t necessarily a surprise to anyone that follows a Non-DI team. Responses to the story have ranged from the numbers confirming their beliefs to a skepticism that DI schools will allow the lower divisions a greater percentage of the income in the future.

These responses are completely understandable, and the skepticism is valid. However, everything will remain the same if everyone accepts the status quo. 

And the status quo sucks.

Division I had over $5.9 million on average to spend on its 26 championship events, while DII had roughly $1.28 million per its 25 championships, and DIII was allotted a measly $943,000 per its 28 championships. 

The money for an NCAA championship event is spent on travel, hotels, and food for each school’s traveling party. 

No one is asking for the NCAA to spend the same amount for each championship in Divisions II and III, but this isn’t even close to treating the athletes in the lower divisions equitably in comparison to their DI brethren.

Another $5.5 million could be added to DII and DIII’s budgets if the members of NCAA DI would allot an extra 0.5 percent of revenue. I’m not naive, and I understand the DI members have no reason or desire to give any more of their money to the lower divisions.

So, what can we do? We can highlight the treatment of DII and DIII athletes during NCAA championship events. Social bullying is a very effective method and can be used to help DII and DIII athletes receive better treatment during NCAA championship events. Take pictures and use your power to tell your story on social media. It won’t be easy or quick, but the only other option is accepting the status quo.

Southland Conference

Southwestern Athletic Conference

Lone Star Conference

American Southwest Conference

  • Former Houston St. Pius X standout, Stanley Asiegbu, announced his commitment to transfer to Mary Hardin-Baylor after spending the last two seasons at DIII Cal Lutheran, as first reported by TrueToTheCru.com. The 6-foot-3, 230-pound tight end also held offers from FCS schools Campbell, Lamar, Tennessee State, Robert Morris, and Alabama State.

Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference

  • The NCAA delayed implementing a new timing rule for Division III until at least 2024 after the DIII Management Council and multiple coaches raised concerns about player safety. The clock will continue to stop after first downs throughout the game in DIII this year, while it will only stop during the last two minutes of each half in Divisions I and II.

Southwestern Junior College Football Conference

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