Andrew Coats, the lawyer who successfully argued the landmark case of NCAA v. Board of Regents of the University of Oklahoma in 1984, reflects on the unintended consequences of his victory. 

This case allowed universities to maximize football revenue, leading to a significant transformation in college sports. Today, as a century-old college sports conference teeters on the brink of extinction, Coats expresses regret over the sweeping upheaval that followed.

The Legal Turning Point
In 1984, Andrew Coats convinced the U.S. Supreme Court to rule in favour of his clients, asserting that the governing body of intercollegiate athletics could not restrict the trade rights of schools and their conferences. 

This decision paved the way for universities to aggressively pursue more lucrative television contracts.

The Ripple Effect on College Football
Since then, college football has undergone a dramatic transformation. Universities constantly change conference affiliations in search of better TV deals, and as a result, traditional conferences like the Pac-12 face dissolution. 

This shift has significantly increased the value of televised college football games but has come at the expense of student-athletes who now endure extensive cross-country travel.

Impact Beyond Football
While the 1984 case primarily concerned football on TV, its practical consequences extend to all college sports. Student-athletes in non-revenue and Olympic sports are now burdened with the challenges of long-distance travel, impacting their college experiences.

Student-Athletes’ Perspective
Student-athletes like Oregon softball player Paige Sinicki express their disappointment at having to travel long distances for conference games, which were once within reach for short plane rides or bus trips. They hope for better support and care amidst the gruelling travel schedules.

Concerns Raised by Sports Figures
Prominent figures in college sports, such as Notre Dame Athletic Director Jack Swarbrick, criticize the conference realignments, calling them a “complete disaster” and advocating for more regional scheduling with the student’s best interests in mind.

The Money-Driven Path
Coats and his clients inadvertently set college football on a money-driven path, resulting in an abundance of televised games and conference realignments. This trend has obliterated the geographical boundaries of college football and confused fans and mapmakers alike.

The Seismic Shift
Recent seismic shifts, like USC and UCLA’s move to the Big Ten, have shaken the college sports landscape. The century-old Pac-12 is on the verge of disintegration, and traditional rivalries may vanish, replaced by new matchups.

Reflections of Andrew Coats
Andrew Coats, now 88, expresses regret for the unintended consequences of his legal victory. He initially sought an out-of-court settlement with the NCAA but was met with resistance. He acknowledges that while he may have played a role in altering college football, change was inevitable.

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Conclusion
The 1984 Supreme Court ruling, influenced by Andrew Coats, fundamentally changed college football and college sports as a whole. While it opened doors to new opportunities and revenues, it also brought about unintended consequences. College sports continue to evolve, and the future remains uncertain, leaving individual consumers to judge whether the changes are ultimately for the better or worse.