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
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NewsThe Myth of the Sports Scholarship
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. -
News
Coaches Offer Unfiltered Views of NCAA Scholarship Limits
Many believe the association’s aid system is flawed — but not in the way you might think. -
News
Sonny Vaccaro Plans One Last Push Against the NCAA
The former shoe marketer, now an influential advocate for college athletes, looks to enlist new plaintiffs to challenge NCAA restrictions. -
News
As Sports Spending Soars, Programs Scramble to Keep Up
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? -
Athletics
Court’s Refusal to Hear O’Bannon Case Leaves Player-Pay Issue Unsettled
The Supreme Court’s action lets stand lower-court rulings that allow college athletes to be compensated up to their full cost of attendance. -
Athletics
Sports Programs Draw Up a New Playbook for Student Activism
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
Business is booming right under colleges’ noses. It’s not just papers and assignments anymore. Now it’s the whole course. -
Athletics
NCAA Eases Scholarship Restrictions, Raising Concerns Over Competitive Equity
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. -
News
More Semesters for Athletes, Fewer Academic Problems?
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
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.
