By Steve Brawner, © 2024 by Steve Brawner Communications, Inc.

The NCAA men’s basketball tournament just completed its second weekend, and for the first time in four years, the Arkansas Razorbacks didn’t play in it.

The Razorbacks advanced to the Elite Eight two straight years under Coach Eric Musselman and then made the Sweet 16 last year, but this year’s squad finished with a losing record at 16-17. The women’s team also did not make the tournament. Arkansas State University and the University of Arkansas at Little Rock both fell just short of making the men’s tournament and giving Arkansans something to root for. 

This year’s March “sadness” follows a disappointing football season for the Razorbacks, after which Head Coach Sam Pittman found himself on the hot seat. In baseball, on the other hand, the Razorbacks are ranked number one. 

That bright spot aside, it’s been a frustrating seven months for Razorbacks fans. It’s not the first time that has happened, but what’s new is, it’s harder to know who to blame. 

That’s because two changes have transformed college sports.  Continue reading Maybe blame Hogs’ struggles on the billionaires? →