Something you don’t read every day: Northeastern University has elected to discontinue its football program. In the press release, President Joseph Aoun is quoted as saying:  ”At a time when higher education is critically important to rebuilding our knowledge-based economy, universities have an obligation to invest resources in areas of strength—whether they are competitive athletic programs or cutting-edge academics.”  Apparently President Aoun has determined that competitive athletics – Northeastern has a 3-8 record, but is on a two-game winning streak – is not one of Northeastern University’s strengths.

A poorly-kept secret: All but the nation’s top athletics programs regularly operate at a loss.  So in this time of dramatic belt-tightening across higher education, will other institutions follow Northeastern’s lead?  Don’t bet on it.