Craig Thompson
FILE - In this Feb. 1, 2021, file photo, Drake forward Tremell Murphy, left, drives past Illinois State forward Abdou Ndiaye (4) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in Des Moines, Iowa. The economic downturn across college sports caused by the pandemic led Drake to slash its athletic budget, including a quarter of what it spends on men's basketball. Earning a bid to the NCAA Tournament won't pull Drake out of its financial hole, but every little bit helps. Getting an extra team into the field for the Missouri Valley Conference could mean another $1.8 million--give or take--for the league to distribute to its 10 members over the next six years. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall, File)
NCAA bubble trouble: Pandemic pushes mid-majors to margins

By Ralph D. Russo Mar. 04, 2021 07:37 PM EST

FILE - In this Aug. 19, 2020 file photo, Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers speaks during the third day of the Democratic National Convention in Milwaukee, Wis. Evers says he’ll likely include criminal justice reforms in the next state budget as Wisconsin emerges from a tumultuous year of protests over police brutality and racism. The governor told The Associated Press in a year-end interview that the executive budget will “hopefully” include proposals to resolve criminal justice disparities. He declined to offer specifics. (Melina Mara/The Washington Post via AP, File)
Evers: Criminal justice reforms likely in next state budget

By Todd Richmond Dec. 27, 2020 01:01 AM EST

North Carolina State wide receiver Devin Carter (88) pulls in a 2-yard touchdown reception as Wake Forest defensive back Ja'Sir Taylor (6) tries to tip the ball away during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Raleigh, N.C, Saturday, Sept. 19, 2020. (Ethan Hyman/The News & Observer via AP)
Correction: Virus Outbreak-College Sports story

Sep. 22, 2020 03:44 PM EDT

North Carolina head coach Mack Brown watches his team warm up for an NCAA college football game against Syracuse on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2020 in Chapel Hill, N.C. (Robert Willett/The News & Observer via AP, Pool)
Going West: Move toward fall football ramps up in Pac-12, MW

By Ralph D. Russo Sep. 17, 2020 12:40 PM EDT

FILE - In this Dec. 3, 2019, file photo, Washington NCAA college football defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake speaks during a news conference about taking over the head coaching position, in Seattle. Just when it seemed like things were up and rolling, the COVID-19 pandemic hit. The ensuring national shutdown hurt coaches across college football as they prepare for next season, but it was particularly difficult on programs with first-year coaches trying to build something from the ground up. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson, File)
Pac-12 football coaches pitch uniform start to season

By Ralph D. Russo May. 12, 2020 06:27 PM EDT

FILE - In this is an April 25, 2018, file photo, NCAA headquarters in Indianapolis is viewed. College sports programs are already being cut and more are likely on the chopping block. The coronavirus pandemic has triggered fears of an economic meltdown on campuses around the country. The cancellation of the NCAA men's basketball tournament cost schools $375 million and more losses are expected, especially if football season is disrupted in the fall. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings, File)
If colleges cut sports programs, could new models emerge?

By Ralph D. Russo Apr. 20, 2020 02:06 AM EDT