[nickff]

I could also make similar arguments for the NCAA, as it builds the skills of many new and young players (far more than will ever play in the professional leagues), providing an indispensable resource for the development of talent and new techniques. In addition the NCAA teams are a valuable part of the colleges they are in.

In truth, I am completely ambivalent as to the value of NCAA; but I do not believe that professors and students have any obligation to be 'loyal' to university research labs, as the universities pay the researchers as little as possible, and would be more than happy to sell the researchers down the river for a small increase in their endowment or government grants.