“Throughout my tenure, I’ve highlighted the importance of focusing on student-athletes’ experiences and priorities,” Emmert said in a statement. “I am exceedingly proud of the Association’s achievements over the previous 12 years and, in particular, of the devotion and hard work of the national office team here in Indianapolis.”
According to a news statement, Emmert’s departure from the NCAA was mutually agreed upon by the president and the NCAA Board of Governors. It comes at a time when the collegiate athletics scene is experiencing seismic transformations, with athletes being allowed unprecedented privileges and money.
The NCAA also passed a new constitution in January, signaling the association’s impending restructure, which will see it play a less forward-thinking role than it has since its inception. “With substantial shifts occurring in college athletics, the timing of this decision offers the Association with consistent leadership over the next several months, as well as the chance to explore the president’s future position,” said John J. DeGioia, chairman of the NCAA board of directors. “It also enables for the uninterrupted selection and recruitment of the future president.”
Emmert became a lightning rod for criticism following a series of gaffes, notably the NCAA’s sluggish implementation of the policy allowing athletes to earn from their name, image, and likeness. The NCAA joined the NIL revolution only after many states enacted legislation authorizing the practice on their own. Despite his manipulation of NIL legislation, the board extended his term to 2025 just 364 days before announcing his retirement. His stated annual pay was $2.7 million at the time the contract was announced.
