"We are one of few athletic departments in the country that doesn't take any state money or student fees and gives an enormous amount of money to the university," Alleva said on Thursday. "Now, in the current economy, they are looking to us to give even more money back to the university. We're glad to do it, but eventually it will hurt athletics." The LSU athletic department last year gave about $3.2 million to the university. This year they have increased that by $2.5 million, giving the school $5.7 million. LSU releases strategic plan - AP - NOLA.com
Was listening to the Bryan Kenny show the other day on ESPN radio. He was discusing the profitability of college football programs. I was shocked to hear that over the last 5 yrs only 26 out of the 119 D-1 programs are profitable. With the SEC having 7 of those. UF,LSU, UGA leading the pack. The Big XII was next led by UT.
and if it comes to the point it hurts athletics, it needs to be cut back. and im not talking solely for the sake of athletics. for the athletic dept to keep making money to feed to the school, the program has to be strong to make that money.
that is what i was thinking. and i agree with okie. it's fine and dandy being able to give back to the university, but if it hurts the athletics program, then it'll really hurt the university. i think that LSU simply being profitable is a boon to the university and state. we all know how bleak the situation would be if LSU had to rely on the state for funds. :hihi: Saintslogo :rofl:
good point jayb. a strong athletics dept is good not only for the school, but for the community. more merchandise sold, more people going to athletic events and spending money on eating out etc. the dept and athletics go downhill, and that is less money being made for the school and spent in the community. it is a balancing act as swerved pointed out, but if the dept goes down, the school and the community will suffer.
