Historically some things seem unexplainable.
Entire sports programs that had won multiple national championships and had given the school a good name, just a couple years prior pricless advertising as it were, were then completely killed off.
The gymnastics, weightlifting, wrestling, bowling, and boxing programs of the past had either won national titles or regional titles yet were nixed for no apparent reason. (all but one, since Authement took over)
This is a huge mistake. Successful athletic programs give the general public a point of reference that makes any academic achievements easier to associate with the institution.
That is why a viable, clean successful athletic program is a must for reaching the heart and mind of both potential students and former students.
It may not be the way it should be, it may not even be right, but athletics is a universities #1 advertising arm. Which is why you never EVER go around lopping off the top performers.