James E Delany

James E. Delany, named Wednesday as commissioner of the Big Ten Conference, called for fresh ideas to keep sports from overpowering the academic life of student-athletes. "At this unique time in college athletics, all is not well," said Delany, a 41-year-old lawyer completing his 10th year as commissioner of the Ohio Valley Conference. "I think it's important to find a better balance. There's got to be a way to make sure education is first.

James E. Delany, named Wednesday as commissioner of the Big Ten Conference, called for fresh ideas to keep sports from overpowering the academic life of student-athletes. "At this unique time in college athletics, all is not well," said Delany, a 41-year-old lawyer completing his 10th year as commissioner of the Ohio Valley Conference. "I think it's important to find a better balance. There's got to be a way to make sure education is first.

James E. Delany was named today to succeed Wayne Duke as commissioner of the Big Ten athletic conference. Delany was introduced at a news conference late this morning. He had been considered the leading candidate to succeed Duke, who announced his retirement earlier this year. Delany, 41, a native of South Orange, N.J., has served as commissioner of the Ohio Valley Conference since July, 1979.

Big Ten Commissioner James E. Delany today publicly reprimanded former Michigan football Coach Bo Schembechler for comments critical of officiating after the 17-10 loss to USC in the Rose Bowl game. "Coach Schembechler's recent retirement from coaching after a legendary career makes this decision difficult," Delany said in a statement issued from the Big Ten's headquarters in suburban Schaumburg.