The only group that could actually do a true statistical study would be the school itself (privacy rules), and if you believe they would ever do that, I've got a bridge to sell. The co-author that looked at the history of athlete punishment does have a PhD, so he's got some training in rigorous research. Of course, he was a professor that was dismissed from BYU for publishing a book they didn't like*, so he may also have an axe to grind :wink2:. One of the points he made is that when white athletes are punished it is often because their violations are so publically egregious that they can't be overlooked.
Also, just clicked through your links, and I think there is a disconnect in terms. My reference to "suspensions" was being suspended from school - not being suspended from playing football. One of these punishments is much more severe than the other, with a much bigger impact on the student's life; it's those punishments that are more frequently handed out to minorities.
*I think the P12 could get over the no Sunday scheduling (hell, that's an accommodation to and respect of diversity that is right up a liberal institution's alley), but academic freedom is the real reason the P12 presidents would never allow them in.
I understand what you are saying. As I looked at my websearch for the two linked articles I did run across some articles regarding black students suspended from school, not just from athletics.
These same students appeared in a couple of cases to have offenses that would have gotten them suspended from CU or most other schools as well. Things like felony assault, statutory rape (a case of having sex with a 14 year old, both black and white players dismissed from the school for being associated with the case,) as well as the most famous case of the starting center of the BB team being suspended for extra marital sex right in the middle of the NCAA tourney run.
In that case he was able (despite being black) to take advantage of that same church "court" system you described earlier and was back in school the following semester.
There is no question that the rates of suspensions for black athletes are higher than white athletes. I just think that that is a logical expectation since a much higher percentage of the white athletes are better prepared and much more bought into the conduct code that results in the disciplinary actions.
I do also agree with you 100% that BYU would have a virtually impossible time getting into the PAC. The current PAC schools are way to the left of BYU in terms of beliefs and culture. Agree or disagree a school that is completely linked to a church that is openly and actively opposed to gay marriage and gay rights, to abortion, to certain women's rights in the home and workplace, that has the no so distant history of clear and open discrimination against persons of color is going to have a hard time finding supporters in the room when the PAC presidents meet.
Add as you mentioned the restrictions on academic freedom and the fact that BYU is far behind the current PAC members as a research institution and it is very hard to see BYU as a fit in the conference.
I see the PAC as having a hard time admitting any religious affiliated school. Baylor wasn't getting in. SMU, TCU, etc can forget about getting an invite.
Respect for some of what BYU does and wanting them in the PAC are two very different things and something I don't think we will ever have to worry about.