The story of S.M.U. and its renaissance in college athletics begins with the infamous Eric Dickerson, a high school running back prospect who drove off in a gold Pontiac Trans Am from his hometown to Dallas and Southern Methodist University instead of accepting a car offered by Texas A&M. This marked the start of a turbulent period for S.M.U., with boosters in the Southwest Conference engaging in pay-for-play practices, leading to a severe punishment from the N.C.A.A. in 1987 with the imposition of the death penalty on the football program. After nearly four decades, $354 million in upgrades, and a shift in N.I.L. rules, S.M.U. has found its way back to success, joining the Atlantic Coast Conference in a costly move that required giving up broadcast revenues to avoid diluting the pot for existing members.
The changing landscape of college sports has seen a shift in attitudes towards money and student-athletes, with the N.C.A.A. losing authority due to N.I.L. rules allowing athletes to be compensated by sponsors and collectives. Universities are now focused on securing television money and expanding athletic conferences, with S.M.U. positioning itself for increased success by joining the A.C.C. This move, while expensive, was seen as crucial for S.M.U. to reclaim its position in the world of college athletics and secure a better future for its athletic programs.
The new era at S.M.U. is exemplified by athletes like volleyball player Alex Glover, who has combined her passion for her sport with social media to become a successful influencer. While N.I.L. has brought new opportunities and freedoms for athletes, it has also introduced unfamiliar responsibilities, like managing finances. For marquee sports athletes like football players, the influx of money has raised questions about the amateur status of college athletics, with some feeling like they have become professionals due to the financial benefits they receive.
S.M.U. President Gerald Turner played a key role in navigating the university through the tumultuous waters of college athletics, leading efforts to secure a spot in the A.C.C. and investing in athletic facilities to attract top talent. The university has faced challenges and uncertainty in the ever-evolving landscape of college sports, with the N.I.L. economy resembling a game of liar’s poker and raising questions about fairness and competition. Despite the risks and costs, S.M.U. has made significant strides to regain its position in college athletics and cement its place in the A.C.C.
Former S.M.U. athletes like Eric Dickerson and Harvey Armstrong reflect on the past, expressing regrets about the toll that the sport took on their bodies and souls, as well as the consequences they faced following the program’s shutdown. They view the shift towards open compensation for athletes as a positive step, acknowledging the progress made in recognizing and rewarding the contributions of college athletes. The story of S.M.U. serves as a reminder of the complex relationship between money, sports, and education in the world of college athletics, highlighting the ongoing challenges and opportunities facing universities and student-athletes alike.
