The Big 12 Conference recently announced fines of $500,000 to Iowa State and Kansas State for choosing not to participate in bowl games. Both schools are experiencing coaching changes, with Iowa State’s Matt Campbell moving to Penn State, and Chris Klieman from Kansas State announcing his retirement.
Iowa State’s decision came after players voted against playing in a bowl due to concerns about player health and safety. The team had faced significant injuries during the season, finishing with an 8-4 record. The athletic department met with players to discuss their feelings about a bowl game.
Jamie Pollard, the athletic director at Iowa State, expressed support for the players. “Our student-athletes have had an incredible season,” he said.
Kansas State also had its reasons for declining a bowl bid. After a 6-6 season, Gene Taylor, the athletic director, reported discussions with both players and Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark before making the decision. He felt it was better to not field a team that couldn’t represent the university properly, especially with uncertainties surrounding player availability.
This situation highlights a trend among college programs where coaching changes can impact player decisions and team morale. A survey from the NCAA found that more than 30% of student-athletes are concerned about their health and safety following coaching transitions, showing that these decisions are not made lightly but are rather influenced by student welfare.
In recent years, there has been a shift towards student empowerment in college sports, with athletes taking more control over their playing careers. This speaks to a growing trend on social media, where athletes often share their decisions and processes, receiving support and feedback from fans and followers alike.
For more information on the impact of coaching changes in college athletics, you can refer to the NCAA’s recent report here.
