Brad Wolverton

Brad Wolverton covered college athletics at The Chronicle beginning in 2005, focusing on the confluence of money and sports on campus. His research highlighted allegations of academic misconduct, reports of coaches’ meddling in medical decisions, and concerns about a rapid rise in athletics donations.

One of his most memorable stories was a profile of a semiliterate football player at the University of Memphis, which won a 2012 Online Journalism Award. His examination of the Christian influences in Clemson University’s football program was recognized as a “notable” selection in the 2014 volume of “The Best American Sports Writing.” In 2007, he and a colleague wrote a five-part series on athletics booster clubs, which won the Dick Schaap Excellence in Sports Journalism award from Sport in Society.

Before joining The Chronicle, Wolverton wrote about sports business for BusinessWeek. He has published articles in Men’s Journal, The Washington Post, USA Today, and on SI.com. He is a graduate of Indiana University at Bloomington, where he majored in journalism.

Stories by This Author

News

Coaches Offer Unfiltered Views of NCAA Scholarship Limits

By Brad Wolverton November 20, 2016

Many believe the association’s aid system is flawed — but not in the way you might think.

Pete Morgan, Allison’s coach at the Nation’s Capital Swim Club, advises his athletes on how to negotiate scholarship deals with college coaches: “Get it in writing.”

News

The Myth of the Sports Scholarship

By Brad Wolverton November 20, 2016

Allison Goldblatt and her family believed that her elite status as a swimmer would pay her way at the college of her choice. But they found out the truth.

"You’ve got to have the war," says Sonny Vaccaro of his efforts to provoke the NCAA. "Because they’ll never pay attention if you don’t."

News

Sonny Vaccaro Plans One Last Push Against the NCAA

By Brad Wolverton October 14, 2016

The former shoe marketer, now an influential advocate for college athletes, looks to enlist new plaintiffs to challenge NCAA restrictions.

A decline of about $900,000 in television income has added to the financial pressures on the U. of North Carolina  at Charlotte’s athletics program. “That’s not a little bit of money for a program like ours,” says Judith Rose, its director.

News

As Sports Spending Soars, Programs Scramble to Keep Up

By Brad Wolverton, Dan Bauman October 9, 2016

Declines in tuition revenue and cutbacks in state budgets have led more colleges to question the sustainability of athletics spending. But will anyone really pull back?

The Supreme Court’s action lets stand lower-court rulings that allow college athletes to be compensated up to their full cost of attendance. The plaintiffs had hoped the justices would restore an earlier proposal to allow institutions to pay players more. Above: Football rivals the U. of Mississippi and the U. of Memphis met on Saturday. Ole Miss won, 48-28.

Athletics

Court’s Refusal to Hear O’Bannon Case Leaves Player-Pay Issue Unsettled

By Brad Wolverton October 3, 2016

The Supreme Court’s action lets stand lower-court rulings that allow college athletes to be compensated up to their full cost of attendance.

Mara Green, a Florida State U. volleyball player, took a knee last week before a match against the U. of Florida in silent protest against racial injustice and police brutality. Although several professional and high-school athletes have followed the lead of the San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick, protests at college sporting events have so far been few.

Athletics

Sports Programs Draw Up a New Playbook for Student Activism

By Brad Wolverton September 23, 2016

Few college athletes have emulated Colin Kaepernick’s national-anthem demonstrations. Athletic directors say it’s because they’re doing a better job of listening to players.

BACKGROUNDER

The New Cheating Economy

By Brad Wolverton August 28, 2016

Business is booming right under colleges’ noses. It’s not just papers and assignments anymore. Now it’s the whole course.

North Carolina State’s men’s soccer team is among the programs that could benefit from a new rule allowing more players to receive full scholarships during the summer. But critics worry that the change could put many programs at a recruiting disadvantage. Deborah Yow, the university’s athletic director, says the benefit could cost it $3 million more annually.

Athletics

NCAA Eases Scholarship Restrictions, Raising Concerns Over Competitive Equity

By Brad Wolverton May 17, 2016

A new rule allows more players to get full scholarships in the summer. Critics worry that the change could put many programs at a recruiting disadvantage.

The North Carolina Tar Heels baseball team traveled to UCLA for a game earlier this year (above). Long practice hours and constant road games can make it tough for college athletes to succeed academically during their competitive seasons.

News

More Semesters for Athletes, Fewer Academic Problems?

By Brad Wolverton April 17, 2016

A new proposal would allow players to take a reduced schedule during their competitive playing season, letting them focus on their studies when they have more time.

Athletics

Coaches Support Athletes’ Desire for More Time Away From Sports

By Brad Wolverton April 12, 2016

Players want more downtime following road trips, at least two weeks off after the season, and more chances to participate in internships and study-abroad programs, an NCAA survey finds.