<p>I have not seen anything to indicate that “leaving the league” is under consideration.</p>
<p>Lots of discussion on this topic here: [FCS</a> Discussion](<a href=“FCS Discussion”>FCS Discussion)</p>
<p>And here: [Index</a> - lafayettesports.myfreeforum.org](<a href=“http://lafayettesports.myfreeforum.org/]Index”>http://lafayettesports.myfreeforum.org/)</p>
<p>The PL League has made an announcement at
[Patriot</a> League Official Athletic Site](<a href=“http://www.patriotleague.org/]Patriot”>http://www.patriotleague.org/)</p>
<p>The only thoughts that come immediately to my mind are:</p>
<ul>
<li><p>what takes 2 years to consider and resolve after the 18 month build-up to this week; and</p></li>
<li><p>if Fordham leaves the league and we then have the minimum number of teams required for the NCAA playoff slot what pressures will come to bear at the next vote- for and against scholarships.</p></li>
</ul>
<p>I especially liked that last line about no more comments coming from the site. That won’t stop the rumor mill at all, partly because people have a stake in understanding how the votes were cast, what motivated each PL president to take his position, and what changes can be made to bring some momentum in play for an appropriate resolution.</p>
<p>Personally I feel sorry for those dedicated coaches, administrators, student-athletes and fans who seek to sustain and elevate the quality of football within the league. I see no conflict between scholarships and the academic credentials of our institutions. I do, however, take exception at inertia when we face challenges that logic says we can overcome. </p>
<p>So for now, congratulations and thanks to those PL presidents who stepped up in support of their football coaches!</p>
<p>Here’s another article on the subject, I think it’s well written and a good analysis. After reading it, I have more appreciation for Dr Weiss’s position. </p>
<p>[Differing</a> visions of Lafayette College’s football success fueling dispute between boosters, administration | lehighvalleylive.com](<a href=“http://www.lehighvalleylive.com/brad-wilson/index.ssf/2010/12/lafayette_colleges_differing_visions_of_football_success_fueling_dispute_between_boosters_administra.html]Differing”>Differing visions of Lafayette College's football success fueling dispute between boosters, administration - lehighvalleylive.com)</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>This analysis in effect supports my view that the PL should do everything that it can to survive as a means of enabling its members to schedule the majority of its games with other members and then with a couple of Ivies. The more ambitious schools would have a couple of reach games while others might not. That’s essentially what we have now and it’s was only 18 months ago that Fordham’s announcement made everyone focus.</p>
<p>My personal view remains that Dr Weiss jumped the gun by speaking out when everyone else was silent and leaving his Board exposed to questions as to their intent. But that is history now. Maybe his action has brought together the schools which are pro-scholarship and ready to align with Fordham- as is their right and obligation to their coaches, alumni and their Boards. Time will tell. These schools do have options.</p>
<p>I remain convinced that Dr Weiss is taking a risk and that is that he never will have the resources available to improve the funding of Lafayette sports and thereby enable football scholarships. If Mr Bourger wants to make a difference, well, this is the time to make his case and deliver to the Board a clear message about supporting his alma mater. By doing he would also be supporting the league’s model. If he cannot then we will deal with the new reality before 2 years goes by, in my view.</p>
<p>To be fair, Dr Weiss is not alone in his views. I wish that HC would do whatever it has to do in order to protect the league as well. They seem to have serious financial issues and I have read blogs from alumni who are torn about it. Not sure about Bucknell at all, which makes me wonder if they care at all about football!</p>