We college presidents have learned to tread lightly when it comes to the passions of alumni and other fans for our athletic teams, whether it is one competing for a national championship or a less heralded group playing a rivalry game.
Recently, though, we have seen passions aroused in other quarters, as state legislatures have passed laws enabling our student athletes to profit from the use of their name, image and likeness (often referred to as “N.I.L.”) Now, the N.C.A.A. has approved a historic change to allow student athletes to be compensated for use of their N.