"Athletics v. Academics: a zero-sum game?" will feature nationally recognized authors Murray Sperber, professor of English and American studies at Indiana University, and John Gerdy, visiting professor of sports medicine at Ohio University, as panelists. Steve Barnes, veteran journalist and host of AETN’s Arkansas Weekly, will serve as the panel moderator.

Sperber is well known for his studies with The Knight Report and for his recent book "Beer and Circus: How Big-Time College Sports Is Crippling Undergraduate Education." He is recognized foremost as a critic and commentator on college sports and culture, and is chair of the National Alliance for College Athletic Reform (NACAR), an intercollegiate faculty committee advocating reform in athletic policy.

Gerdy is the author of several books. His most recent work, "Sport: The All-American Addiction." He served as the associate commissioner of the Southeastern Conference from 1989 to 1995, and as a legislative assistant at the NCAA from 1986 to 1989.

The panel discussion will be held in ASU Museum, room 182, from 4 to 6 p.m. The free event is open to the public.

For more details contact Dr. William Maynard, professor of history, at 870-972-3046.

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