https://twitter.com/#!/SPORTSbyBROOKS Don't know, would be great.... NCAA president Mark Emmert labels as "complete nonsense" an internet report that he's pondering leaving NCAA, returning to LSU.
He is best known to fans as the man responsible for hiring Saban, over the objections of our tightwad AD Joe Dean and his cronies. He isn't afraid to bust up the good ole boy network if it isn't performing. He knows how to lead, and LSU is desperately in need of a leader, in many respects. I knew a professor in mechanical engineering who spoke with him on a flight about that hire. Emmert understood that a top-notch football program would be instrumental in boosting the academic visibility of LSU, as well, moving us away from the days of open admission and #1 party school rankings. He knew penny-pinching bean counters would never get that job done.
Academically astute, he advanced the academics of the university, increased student accomplishments, and raised a lot of alumni cash. Politically astute, he got along with governors and legislature and got them to back LSU policy. Socially astute, he understood the importance of college athletics and fit in with the Louisiana culture like no Yankee before or since. LSU Funding was increased to the southern average. He retained distinguished professors who were being courted by rivals. He secured raises for faculty three of the five years that he was here. Jenkins was almost as good, just not as effective. Chancellor Clouseau was a political joke disrespected by faculty. Chancellor Martin is a classic lightweight who never stays anywhere long enough to be held responsible for anything.
The stated reason was to become president of UW, his alma mater. I don't know if there were any politics behind the scenes.