CHICAGO — Outgoing Big Ten Commissioner Jim Delany kicked off his final Big Ten football media days Thursday by saying he thinks some serious mistakes made in the 1970s created problems today in college athletics.
Delany, who is in his 31st and final year as commissioner, said the loss of the four-year scholarship, the ending of the $15 weekly "laundry" stipend for athletes and allowing freshmen to play have all contributed to various headaches.
"I think that's really expedited everything and hasn't allowed for the full socialization, cultural and academic, for students," he said. "I raised that issue about five years ago, and to be honest with you, there was not much of a reaction.