That's a "very kind" assessment.  I would suggest that "big time" college athletics (primarily football and basketball) are a huge milti-billion dollar industry which operates "unchecked" by outside agencies.  They are clearly the "tail" wagging the dog  Universities simply provide the "venue" and identification for the programs.  They are completely or nearly completely self-sustaining entities and usually far outweigh the academic side of Universities in influence and power.  Colleges and Universities are far "more know" by having winning football or basketball programs than for having strong academic programs.  Gary Crum