I have been a fan of college athletics, and specifically BYU athletics, for almost 50 years.  I have cheered for Gifford Nielsen, Marc Wilson, Danny Ainge, Jim McMahon, Steve Young, Ty Detmer, and the list goes on.  I cheered for them because they wore the blue and white, because they walked the halls of a school I loved, because they were in my classes, and because they felt somewhat like normal people that I could relate to and aspire to be like.

 They were amazing athletes and did incredible things on the field and court.  But I also recognized that they weren't at the same level as the pros in their respective sports.  That was a whole different level.

 At the point that college sports is just a minor league, and that the athletes neither have any loyalty to the institution I am affiliated with, nor can I hope to have a fan/player relationship for more than one season at a time, I will probably turn my attention fully to the NFL and NBA.  That's where the best athletes are and where the most amazing achievements are.  And-there is somewhat of a level playing field for the competition.

I may be the only one that feels this way, but I see the turning point here where college sports finally kills the goose that lays the golden eggs.  It will be sad, as I have so many memories with my dad, my friends, my wife, and my kids that all revolve around BYU sports.  But without the commonality of the institution, my limited dollars will most likely turn to other activities.