Division IV .. Could be a reality

[beevomav]

Big 12 commissioner Bob Bowlsby adds his to the big names pushing the idea of a Division 4.

We have heard a lot of chatter about a proposed Division Four. But a few days ago, it got real.

Frustrated at a bogged-down, ineffective NCAA, Big 12 commissioner Bob Bowlsby said Monday he and his BCS conference peers favored "transformative change" in college athletics.

He later identified that change as the possible establishment of a so-called “Division 4†of the highest level of football-playing schools. He followed with:

"We've made it too easy to get into Division I," Bowlsby said Monday at his conference's media days, "and too easy to stay there."

Not just Bowlsby either. ACC commissioner John Swofford said it could come within six months. Bowlsby said an NCAA special convention may be needed.

Division IV could consist of Big Ten, Big 12, Pac-12, ACC, SEC) are going to set their own rules. Sorry Mac and Wac but you are close to NCAA hell.

Some of the proposed ideas that are being thrown around:

Pay for Play: Players could make $5K to $10K a year.

Four team playoff? How about an 8 team playoff?

Division IV would probably be open for corporate sponsors. AT&T Division IV has a ring to it.

Instead of Conferences, they could have divisions. The Nike or Reebok division could be possible

Bowlsby goes even further:

Division 4 could set its own scholarship limitations, make its own enforcement rules. Bowlsby specifically expressed frustration at NCAA enforcement which has not distinguished itself lately -- or at all. Think of Division 4 setting its own recruiting rules.

)Part time students playing football? Why not, Johnny Football is already off campus.

Bowlsby's comments have reverberated about the NCAA.

"It will surprise me if they [bCS conferences] don't get what they want," said Karl Benson, the Sun Belt commissioner..."The other five conferences will have to decide at what level we can afford to participate in it," Benson added.

Bowlsby went so far as to say Monday that those five conferences may play games amongst themselves. No non-BCS schools (Conference USA, MAC, Sun Belt, Mountain West and American -- beginning in 2014). The Big Ten is already making noise about not playing I-AA (FCS) schools. What would be the big deal with cutting out the non-BCS schools?

“There are going to be winners and losers in there,†Bowlsby said bluntly.

 

[bbdude]

He railed the NCAA's leadership today. He didn't use the secede word but damn he brought his A-game today. I like Bowlsby's vision and candor.

 

[beevomav]

I love the idea of the best playing the best and paying players. The NCAA is such a hypocritical organization. Johnny Football isn't even enrolled in on campus classes and has registered his name. How the hell can he get money for his name and still be considered an amateur?

 

[bbdude]

I love the idea of the best playing the best and paying players. The NCAA is such a hypocritical organization. Johnny Football isn't even enrolled in on campus classes and has registered his name. How the hell can he get money for his name and still be considered an amateur?

I would settle for Texas vs. OU every week. I bet we lose 11 times out of 12 weeks with Mack as our coach.... LOL.