For some reason I find this interesting. These were the top 10 revenue producers in college athletics in 2007-08, as discovered by Street & Smith's SportsBusiness Journal.
1. Texas – $120.3 million
2. Ohio State – $118 million
3. Florida – $106 million
4. Michigan – $99 million
5. Wisconsin – $93.5 million
6. Penn State - $91.6 million
7. Auburn — $89.3 million
8. Alabama — $88.9 million
9. Tennessee – $88.7 million
10. Oklahoma State – $88.6 million
It's a veritable Who's Who of football programs on past or present probation.
I drive by DKR Stadium nearly every day. I see Texas' Disch-Faulk Field across the street, and it is always packed to the rafters with fans. Mostly paying, older fans. Same for the womens' softball games down the street. Basketball sells out every game.
The people here are nuts about their Longhorns!
The last University of Texas football probation occurred in 1987. Over 20 years with a clean record (or weren't caught), as far as I can tell. Not too bad.
That's a bit better than OSU. Or the Browns, for that matter. The Browns front office may be put on probation by the fans for ongoing attempts at impersonating an NFL franchise.
Have you had any traffic violations over the past 20+ years? Have you kept YOUR nose clean?
The Texas football program has been on NCAA probation three separate times. Not exactly a pillar of purity down there.