To the editor:

Many commentators have pointed out the pernicious effects that college sports have had upon the modern university. One of the most insidious was inadvertently described by your editor in his latest grumble (“Team not to blame for KU’s dismal football status,” Journal-World, Oct. 10). He writes that KU’s football team has become “an embarrassment” which does “not reflect the standard of excellence that KU alumni and friends expect from their school.” According to your editor’s logic, we now measure the strength of KU by its sports program. To conflate the value of a university with its ability to clobber opponents on the gridiron is a sad testimony and it may be time for a radical change.

Instead of dumping millions more into this increasingly dangerous sport, why not just admit defeat and cancel the football program? I’m certain KU administrators can come up with a half-dozen wholesome activities to fill those Saturday afternoons. For those students and alums who need to have an excuse to tailgate and party, the university could host a flag football game in Memorial Stadium between students and faculty. Or better yet, host a city-wide Red Dog event to encourage spectators to participate in outdoor activities.

Collegiate sports were initially designed as a healthy way to have fun and express school spirit. They were never intended to become the chief brand or attribute of a university. KU students, faculty and alum should not be embarrassed by their losing football team, but rather by their dull complacency or mindless concern over having a “winning team.”