As far as Division I sports are concerned, the next few months are where the sausage gets made. Division I’s Transformation Group, led by the SEC's Greg Sankey and Ohio U's Julie Cromer, will have to get into the nitty-gritty of putting values into action, while remaining under tremendous pressure from state and federal lawmakers who are concerned that the organization can't fix itself. 

For several years, the Knight Commission has worked to create a sustainable and educationally focused model for Division I members to consider and perhaps adopt the C.A.R.E. model. Privately, many Division I athletics directors, commissioners and presidents agree that a change in emphasis and direction is crucial to regain the public trust. But publicly, they appear to say something else.

To help us understand the nuances of this financial proposal, and why it could work to the benefit of institutions and student-athletes, I’m joined on the podcast by CEO of the Knight Commission on Intercollegiate Athletics Amy Perko, and Commission member and former Chief Financial Officer of Major League Baseball, Jonathan Mariner.