Most NCAA Schools Are Losing Money, According to Study

Accounting professor Daniel Fulks, author of an NCAA study, says that most NCAA Division I and Division II athletic programs are losing money and at those schools that do make money, average profits are down from 1995 levels.

“Revenues are up again for this two-year period, as are attendance, participation and enthusiasm,” said Fulks, who directs the accounting program at Transylvania University in Lexington, Ky. “But in general, expenses are increasing faster than revenues.”

Ticket sales accounted for the most revenue in Division I-A, the organization’s top level for college athletics. At other levels, student activity fees provided the most income.

The study showed that in 1997 in Division I-A, the average athletic program--without institutional support--showed a deficit of $823,000. In 1995, the average deficit--without institutional support--was $237,000.

The study also showed that about three-quarters of the football and men’s basketball programs turned a profit in 1997 in Division I-A.

College Basketball

Purdue has asked the NCAA to withdraw infraction allegations because the school did not find any evidence to support charges the men’s basketball program violated NCAA rules, except in relation to minor violations already reported.

Purdue has already disciplined assistant coach Frank Kendrick for meeting with a recruit during a period designated by the NCAA as one when coaches were not to have any contact with prospective athletes. Kendrick was fined an undisclosed amount of money and forbidden to recruit off campus for 10 days during the official recruiting period that began in November 1996.

The playing career of New Mexico point guard Dontay Hicks may be over after doctors discovered that the junior college transfer, who was expected to start for the Lobos this season, has a heart condition known as cardiomyopathy--a weakening of the heart muscle.

Hicks’ heart condition was discovered about six weeks ago after routine physical exams for the upcoming season.

Tennis

Anna Kournikova of Russia double-faulted 17 times, handing eighth-seeded Dominique Van Roost of Belgium a 6-3, 6-1 victory in the first round of the European Championships at Zurich, Switzerland. . . . Richard Krajicek of the Netherlands began his comeback from a knee injury by beating Spain’s Albert Costa, 6-3, 6-7 (4-7), 6-4, in the opening round of the CA Trophy tournament at Vienna. Krajicek, the 1996 Wimbledon champion and this year’s semifinalist, had not played in five weeks after tendinitis in his left knee forced him to retire in the fourth round of the U.S. Open. . . . Fourth-seeded Jan-Michael Gambill defeated fellow American Jonathan Stark, 6-1, 6-2, and American Justin Gimelstob upset eighth-seeded Ramon Delgado of Paraguay, 6-4, 6-4, in the opening round of the Singapore Open.

Boxing

A world heavyweight title unification fight between Evander Holyfield and Lennox Lewis could happen next year if both boxers accept the challenge, according to Holyfield’s promoter Don King.

King met with Lewis’ promoter Panos Eliades and manager Frank Maloney in London and the fight is tentatively scheduled for late February or early March in Las Vegas.

Baseball

Major league baseball and winter leagues have reached an agreement that prohibits players with at least 520 at-bats during the regular season from playing in leagues during the off-season.

Texas Ranger closer John Wetteland will have surgery on his pitching elbow this month to remove a bone spur but is expected to be ready for next season.

The Athletics and Oakland officials have agreed to a 10-day extension of the deadline for settling a $48-million claim that could determine whether the team stays in Oakland.

Miscellany

Two former female employees of the Charlotte Hornets say owner George Shinn made unwanted sexual advances, then paid them to keep quiet about it. The allegations are part of an earlier lawsuit that alleges Shinn forced another woman to perform oral sex at his home last year.

The soccer semifinals of the Los Angeles Coliseum Cup will be held tonight with Comunicaciones of Guatemala playing Gimnasia y Esgrima of Argentina in the first game at 7. Chivas of Guadalajara will meet UNAM/Pumas of Mexico the second game. For ticket information call (213) 748-6131.