Emmert applauds student-athlete activism

SAN ANTONIO (AP) NCAA President Mark Emmert applauded student-athlete campus activism and said Thursday he's disappointed that member schools aren't hiring more women and minorities as coaches.

Emmert's remarks came during his annual speech at the NCAA convention. He pressed member schools to keep improving academics, fairness and the health and safety of student athletes.

He didn't mention specific cases of student activism, but Emmert's remarks came two months after a boycott by Missouri football players over campus racial issues was instrumental in forcing the resignation of the school president and chancellor.

Emmert said activism is a key part of athletes fitting into the fabric of their campus.

Emmert said many college athletes dream of playing professionally but few will, and colleges must help them advancing toward their degrees. A rule change passed Wednesday allows basketball underclassmen to better evaluate their pro prospects without losing eligibility.