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Back to To the Point

To the Point

The Crazy Money behind "March Madness"

This year's NCAA basketball championships will generate $1.5 billion; Division One athletics are major business. Big schools get big money and coaches make millions, but many players may be left with nothing but injuries — and no education at all.

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By Warren Olney • Mar 27, 2015 • 1 min read

This year's NCAA basketball championships will generate $1.5 billion; Division One athletics are major business. Big schools get big money and coaches make millions, but many players may be left with nothing but injuries — and no education at all. "March Madness" usually features Syracuse University, where millionaire coach Jim Boeheim has developed a winning record. But, after penalties leveled by the NCAA, Syracuse withdrew from this year's competition, and while Syracuse and North Carolina may be this year's examples of how academic fraud victimizes "student athletes," the practice is widespread. As another season is winding down, is it time to give the players what they're really worth? What's the best way to do it?

  • https://images.ctfassets.net/2658fe8gbo8o/AvYox6VuEgcxpd20Xo9d3/769bca4fbf97bf022190f4813812c1e2/new-default.jpg?h=250

    Warren Olney

    former KCRW broadcaster

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    Jenny Hamel

    KCRW

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    Sáša Woodruff

    Producer, 'To the Point'

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    Mike Kessler

    freelance journalist

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    Michael Hiltzik

    business columnist for the LA Times

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    Michael Hausfeld

    Hausfeld Global Litigation Solutions

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    Ed O'Bannon

    former power forward for the UCLA Bruins

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