There has been a great deal of discussion regarding the recent comments made by one of the Louisiana Board of Regents members, Wilbert Pryor. Pryor stated that ULL, ULM, and La Tech should take a slice of “humble pie” and drop down to the FCS level of collegiate athletics.
Pryor’s comments were in response to combined deficit athletic funding at these universities which has now risen to almost $50 million per year. While Pryor was direct in his views on these three institutions, he didn’t mention that LSU also ran a deficit of just under $50 million for the 2025-26 fiscal year.
Pryor made other comments regarding coaching salaries that were difficult to understand and not entirely accurate in content.
While we can argue that Pryor was clearly out of line with his statement given the Board of Regents has no jurisdiction over such a decision, we can learn a great deal from his comments. We can learn a great deal about his personal thoughts on the matter. We can also learn a great deal about how to better address obstacles such as the one underlying this issue.
· Pryor makes a bold statement with no assurance that it would address the problem.
· Furthermore, it’s not clear whether Pryor really understands the scope of the problem.
· Do we assume that Pryor is ok with deficits at LSU, but not the other three Universities?
What we do know:
· There is an underlying problem with intercollegiate athletic funding. Most universities across the country are running annual deficits. It’s a systemic issue. It’s not isolated to Louisiana.
· The deficits are significant and not sustainable long-term.
· The issue is incredibly difficult to resolve in light of so many competing factors.
With that in mind, to solve a problem like this one, we need to first be sure we are asking the right question. The question is not whether ULL, ULM, and Tech should move to the FCS level.
The right question to ask is: How can we operate intercollegiate athletics in a financially responsible manner and not run deficits?
· When we take the time to ask the right question, we ensure that the ensuing discussions are meaningful, productive, and focused in the right area.
· Furthermore, when we ensure that we are asking the right question first, we focus our attention on discussions and alternatives that solve the right problem.
It’s a reminder for all of us to ensure we are asking the right question before making statements to solve a problem. Those in leadership positions are charged with ensuring the right questions are being asked. Asking the right questions is the first step toward providing the right answer.
Whether we are seeking to solve intercollegiate athletic funding, a budgetary issue within our organization, or a personal financial challenge at home, taking the time to ask the right question is essential for long-term success.
James 1:19 tells us to “Know this, my beloved brothers, let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger”.
We don’t learn much when we are talking. Asking questions and ensuring we get the right question asked is key to long-term success. It also ensures we properly address the scope of the problem.
While we can take great exception to Pryor’s comments, it’s a better reminder to us that there’s a better way. That better way is not to ignore the issue, but rather to take the time to ask the right question.
Doug equips leaders to make organizations better. He has two leadership books available on all online platforms. Whether you are looking for a speaker for your next event or a leadership coach to develop people and build an authentic team, contact Doug at doug.strickel@gmail.com and learn more about PLUS.
For the latest local news, subscribe FOR FREE to the Lincoln Parish Journal and receive an email each weekday morning at 6:55 right to your inbox. Just CLICK HERE to sign up.
