In their continued quest to hold colleges more accountable for graduation rates and the academic well-being of the student athletes, the NCAA is proposing a new system of checks and balances. 

A penalty would be enforced if an athlete leaves school while in poor academic standing. The team could award the scholarship to a walk-on, but would be prevented from recruiting a new player for one year.

Teams can avoid a penalty if a new measure "academic progress rate" is showing an upward trend. It is estimated by today's statistics that 10% of schools would lose scholarships in this scenario.  Also, schools must maintain Title 9 compliance, there are not exceptions.

According to NCAA director of member services  Daine Dickman "It affects any team that has a student who decides not to return, turns pro early or leaves to work on the family farm."  Providing they are in poor academic standing when they leave.

Bottom line?  Student Athletes need to show that they are not an academic or flight risk?  Perhaps coaches will more wary of a borderline student who is far from home? Athletic Departments will need to be more diligent in identifying at risk SA's and providing resources for their success.  It will cost more money and time to provide this of course and that money will need to come from somewhere else...perhaps the head of a non-revenue sport?

ESPN.com for the complete article

Ray Lauenstein is the author of Baseball: Playing Outside the Lines and The Making of a Student Athlete. If you would like him to speak to your team, booster club or other group please contact him via the online form or call 1-617-835-1836.