Part 8/10:
Broader Implications and the Path Forward
Michigan’s scandal is more than an isolated incident; it exemplifies the systemic issues within college sports. The culture of rule-breaking, washouts of integrity, and the commodification of student-athletes threaten the fabric of collegiate athletics.
The question now is whether Michigan can clean house, rebuild trust, and restore its reputation. There's consensus that starting anew—firing those associated with the scandals and implementing stricter oversight—is essential. However, critics warn about the risks of “throwing out the baby with the bathwater,” inadvertently punishing innocent staff and players caught in the fallout.