Athletics

Illinois fires football coach whom university earlier defended against charges of making team members play while injured.

Baylor's successful football program is in crisis over questions regarding the handling of a sexual assault case involving an athlete -- a controversy that could damage the university's reputation, too.

Board says it won't assert jurisdiction over whether Northwestern University athletes are employees, effectively killing their union drive. The vague decision divides experts on the prospects for athlete unions generally.

NCAA rules about "cost of attendance" create a new way for universities to compete for athletes, but these changes in financial aid calculations don't appear to be helping non-athletes.

College football conferences agree that putting additional medical spotters in replay booths is a good idea, but they're debating about giving those observers the power to stop a game.

Facing deficit of $60 million, U of Akron is eliminating 215 staff positions and baseball team, while its football program is off the chopping block. Faculty members want to know why.

Many colleges pay people to make sure athletes show up at each scheduled class. Critics say the programs drive another academic wedge between players and the rest of the student body.

U of Alabama at Birmingham's flip-flop on ending football illustrates how difficult it is to shut down a program, even a money-losing one with a so-so record.