Identify a reason why it is difficult to make academic support programs a key part of big-time athletic departments.

Making academic support programs a key part of big-time athletic departments is challenging primarily because big-time college sports are intertwined with numerous interests that extend beyond education. This deeply entrenched culture emphasizes athletic success, financial gain, media relations, and fan engagement, all of which can overshadow the academic development of student-athletes. As a result, the emphasis on sports can lead to the marginalization of academic support initiatives, which may be viewed as secondary to the primary goal of enhancing athletic performance and drawing revenue.

Other factors may complicate the implementation of these programs, such as timing and resource allocation, but they do not fundamentally challenge the prioritization of sports over education in the same way. The involvement of multiple external interests, including sponsorships and media contracts, can further complicate the commitment to academic support, as these interests may not align closely with educational objectives. Thus, the overarching influence of commercial interests in big-time athletics stands as a significant barrier to making academic support a central focus.