Baylor Scandal Raises Questions Around College Football Ethics

Columnist John Niyo discusses the Baylor scandal that ousted football coach and school president

Michael Hayball

News from Baylor University rocked the college football world yesterday as head coach Art Briles was fired for his role in multiple sexual assault cover-ups. 

“We were horrified by the extent of these acts of sexual violence on our campus. This investigation revealed the University’s mishandling of reports in what should have been a supportive, responsive and caring environment for students,” said Richard Willis, chair of the Baylor Board of Regents, in a statement from the university. “The depth to which these acts occurred shocked and outraged us. Our students and their families deserve more, and we have committed our full attention to improving our processes, establishing accountability and ensuring appropriate actions are taken to support former, current and future students.”

You can read the full statement from Baylor’s Board of Regents here.

Detroit News columnist John Niyo says the NCAA has a long way to go to ensure women are safe from sexual violence from student athletes.

“We’re talking about it now, so that’s a step. But it’s only a first step,” says Niyo on WDET’s Detroit Today with host Stephen Henderson. But, Niyo says, progress is relative in this instance. He says a cover-up culture has existed for generations protecting athletes from punishment. 

“I think that we’re talking about [Baylor’s scandal] is, sadly, progress.”

To hear more from Niyo’s conversation with Henderson, click on the audio player above.

 

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