Yeah, that theme is out there. It has double layers of recent logic because the new USC president came directly from North Carolina, where they were cleaning up an athletic scandal and tarnished reputation of their own.
As you indicated, some insiders say that 1 or 2 football boosters are so influential they may be able to dictate matters via sheer numbers, no matter her intention.
I'm not sure about that. USC fund raising is surreal. They set lofty goals and blow them away. More than $7 billion. The new USC Village is testimony to how much money is rolling in. The targeted fundraising campaign ended last year. But I think Folt can stand her ground and assert her own priorities. That $7 billion fortified one aspect of the university after another. New research labs. New living facilities. And so forth. The university is in great shape other than recent scandals and therefore the stain they apply. I suspect her focus will be on that area, and not the simplistic angry males whining about the football bottom line.