Oklahoma Sooners athletic director Joe Castiglione isn’t so sure about paying athletes.
Despite the fact that the University of Oklahoma athletic department brings in $134 million per year, Castiglione testified in court that even if schools cut down on spending elsewhere, there wouldn’t be any money to pay with what is left over.
“I understand that plaintiffs have argued that any shortfall created by paying broadcast revenue to the football and men’s basketball players could be offset by reductions in coaching salaries and expenditures on facilities,” Castiglione said. “Based on my experience over the past several decades in intercollegiate athletics, I disagree.”
Castiglione’s colleagues and the NCAA have suggested that there certainly wouldn’t be any money for non-football or men’s basketball athletes, and that those sports might have to be cut.
Where could we find the money? How about Castiglione’s bank account.
Oklahoma men's golf team winning the NCAA championship yesterday means a $20,000 bonus for AD Joe Castiglione.
— Steve Berkowitz (@ByBerkowitz) June 1, 2017
Yes, a person who says it’s impossible to pay athletes also just got $20,000 due to those same athletes’ accomplishments. Where ever could we find the money!?
Oklahoma has 10 players on its golf team, which means each player could earn $2,000 just off the bonus paid to Castiglione—with no additional expense to the school—if the Sooners really did want to do what’s best for their athletes.
Instead, athletic directors like Castiglione will continue to pretend it’s impossible to pay labor while they pocket massive bonuses for themselves.
