What's Happening?
Edward Waters University (EWU) President A. Zachary Faison Jr. has announced a new policy regarding scheduling Division I football opponents following a 52-point loss to Jackson State in the Hope Labor Day Classic. President Faison issued a public statement
acknowledging his responsibility for scheduling the competitively uneven game and outlining new financial and competitive criteria for future matchups. Edward Waters received a $65,000 guarantee for the game, but after travel and related expenses of $30,000 to $35,000, the university cleared approximately $30,000. President Faison argued that this amount was insufficient to justify the competitive mismatch and the demands placed on the team. He highlighted the disparity in scholarship funding, noting that EWU, a Division II school, has 29 funded football scholarships compared to Jackson State's access to 63 as an FCS program. This structural difference, he stated, leads to a 'mismeasurement' of competitive ability when comparing scores.
Why It's Important?
This decision by President Faison is significant for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and smaller athletic programs that often rely on 'money games' to fund their athletic departments. While these games offer financial guarantees, President Faison's stance challenges the assumption that any payout is beneficial, especially when the competitive and financial terms are heavily skewed against the smaller institution. His public accountability and detailed financial analysis could prompt other HBCU presidents and athletic directors to scrutinize their own scheduling practices. The issue highlights the broader financial disparities in college athletics, where smaller programs often face a difficult choice between financial solvency and competitive integrity. The potential impact on recruiting for smaller schools, where lopsided losses can deter prospective athletes, also underscores the importance of this re-evaluation.
What's Next?
Going forward, Edward Waters University will only consider Division I matchups if they expect to clear at least $100,000 after expenses. The university plans to prioritize playing Division II opponents from leagues such as the SIAC, CIAA, Conference Carolinas, and Gulf South Conference. This shift aims to create a more competitive schedule that supports postseason goals for EWU. President Faison's policy sets a new financial threshold and strategic direction for the university's football program. This move could encourage other Division II HBCUs to adopt similar policies, potentially leading to a broader re-evaluation of 'money game' strategies across college athletics, particularly among smaller institutions seeking to balance financial needs with competitive fairness and program development.
Beyond the Headlines
President Faison's candid statement goes beyond a simple scheduling change; it sparks a deeper conversation about the ethics and long-term sustainability of 'money games' in college football. By publicly apologizing to his team and detailing the financial and competitive imbalances, he has brought transparency to a practice often viewed as a necessary evil. This action could foster a more critical examination of how larger institutions benefit from these games at the expense of smaller programs, and whether the current system adequately supports the development of all collegiate athletes. It also raises questions about the narrative surrounding lopsided scores and how they are perceived by the public and prospective recruits, urging a focus on the structural differences rather than solely on the final score. This could lead to a broader push for more equitable financial arrangements and scheduling practices within college athletics.
