George Will writes an excellent column today where he examines an effort by Rep. Bill Thomas to challenge the tax exempt status of college athletics. Thomas, chair of the House Ways and Means Committee, has sent a letter to the NCAA where he asks several questions including how athletics enhances the educational purposes of each institution.

I’d be interested in seeing the NCAA’s responses. My guess is that when you look at the entire picture of college athletics, including the current contract CBS has with the NCAA to televise the men’s basketball tournament, it could be time to take a serious look at the tax exempt status.