Athletics

Colleges describe male and female athletes as having a familial bond. That's being questioned after sexist traditions at Harvard have been revealed, and female athletes elsewhere have reported being assaulted by male athletes.

Identifying a football culture that protected athletes and officials, the Education Department will fine Penn State U nearly $2.4 million for failing to notify students about assistant coach charged with sex abuse and for failing to disclose other campus crimes.

Intercollegiate athletics programs, which are only justifiable on our campuses if they can offer significant learning experiences, should be assessed for their educational impact, argues Michael G. Bowen.

At meeting of the Knight Commission on Intercollegiate Athletics, sports leaders express concern about "out of control" spending among top conferences. So far, colleges don't appear to be trying to reverse course.

At Alabama, black students draw criticism from flag-carrying fans and ugly comments on social media. At Greenville, veterans take to the field (without permission).

Last year, Louisville's supporters scoffed at charges. Now NCAA has confirmed them and the university is objecting to the association's finding that powerful head coach failed to monitor his program. The coach is invoking 9/11.

New report finds big-time college football players at wealthiest programs graduate at rates lower than their nonathlete male peers. For black players, the gap is even bigger.

NCAA stance against discrimination draws praise and raises questions about how association picks its battles and why it doesn't similarly challenge its own members.