NCAA president Mark Emmert is on Capitol Hill today to discuss the criticism of the NCAA before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation. The questions were similar to what normally occurs in these discussions, until it was Claire McCaskill’s (D-Mo.) turn to talk.
Senator to NCAA president: ‘Why should you even exist?’
Claire McCaskill of Missouri introduced a horrifying survey of how athletic departments deal with allegations of sexual assault.
USA TODAY Sports
McCaskill went straight at arguably the most horrifying issue surrounding the hearing — a study of hers just found that many athletic departments are completely mishandling allegations of sexual assault and taking matters into their own hands. As many as 20 percent of schools allow athletic departments to have oversight over sexual assault investigations pertaining to athletes.
It’s inexplicable that any athletic departments are conducting their own sexual assault investigations, much less 20 percent of them. McCaskill brought up the mishandling of the Jameis Winston situation, and that we will never know if he is innocent or guilty because of who he is.
Emmert agreed with McCaskill that this needs to change, but she wasn’t buying it, and she questioned the NCAA’s authority ... and existence.
McCaskill to Mark Emmert: "I can't tell if you're in charge or if you're a minion"
— Patrick Vint (@HS_BHGP) July 9, 2014 McCaskill to Emmert: "If you’re merely a monetary pass-through, why should you exist?"
— Brad Wolverton (@bradwolverton) July 9, 2014 This summer hasn’t been kind for Emmert’s public appearances. But few things are.
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