Dr. Bobby Chhabra, chair of orthopedics at UVA Health System, joined WINA morning news to discuss the current state of college sports. Dr. Chhabra noted the significant strides made by Virginia, highlighting the newly opened Football Operation Center. However, he contrasted this achievement with the extravagant incentives offered by other programs, such as Lamborghinis provided to recruits at the University of Texas.

Dr. Chhabra expressed concerns over the impact of such incentives, emphasizing that the focus should be on recruiting players with good character who value education and long-term program success. He noted, “The reason of collegiate athletics, the purity of collegiate athletics, has gone for just competition and for a college education. Now it’s become professional sports, essentially.”

Reflecting on the challenges faced by programs like Virginia in competing with wealthier schools, Dr. Chaber emphasized the importance of adhering to principles. “We shouldn’t be recruiting players like that. We should be recruiting players who have good character and want to stay in a program and get a good education from a top-tier institution”

He praised UVA’s approach under coaches like Tony Bennett, suggesting that success can still be achieved by focusing on building a cohesive and principled team.