UI vs. WSU athletic debt

The drive west from Moscow, Idaho, into Pullman apparently takes one from a land of fiscal responsibility to one of absolute irresponsibility within a few hundred yards.

In Moscow, a $1 million cost overrun by the athletic department creates a justifiable strong reaction from regents, the legislature and the college administration. They are given three years to reverse the deficit.

In Pullman, two college presidents, regents, legislators and administration have refused to address an accumulated deficit in the athletic budget of $67 million. $55 million during the incompetent reign of Bill Moos. Oh, there’s been some hand-wringing, but action, no. Of course, be assured, no other programs are being affected. Well, maybe a few.

Such incompetence and dereliction is astounding. Care to guess if anyone will be held accountable? In Pullman, mediocrity has a high cost indeed. A state legislature was in a rage about a player suspension, but wasting $67 million … crickets.

John McTear

Coeur d’Alene