“A fascinating, insightful discussion of the arms race that is big-time intercollegiate athletics. Clotfelter clarifies how this parallel universe in large universities exists essentially independent of faculty or administrative control, being instead the creature of powerful self-perpetuating groups of ‘boosters.’ The convincing, novel demonstration of the role of tax subsidies in supporting these operations should raise every reader’s blood pressure.” – Daniel S. Hamermesh, University of Texas at Austin