Veteran lawyer, journalist and former Yale football player Jack Ford addressed a luncheon crowd at the NCAA convention Wednesday, discussing society's perception of athletes and how it's influenced by the media.

Ford, who played at Yale from 1969-71, pointed to the media's handling of high-profile cases such as the Duke lacrosse scandal and said the cases contribute to a public perception of athletes as "rogues."

Known for his work with NBC News and as anchor of "Jack Ford: Courtside" on In Session, Ford told the crowd to promote the positive stories from within their academic programs and urged the media to balance coverage of athletics with its success stories.

About the Author

Keep Reading

Atlanta Dream guard Allisha Gray (right) reacts with her teammate, guard Rhyne Howard, after a basket during the second half of a WNBA basketball first-round playoff game against the Indiana Fever at Gateway Center Arena on Sunday, Sept. 14, 2024, in Atlanta. 
(Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez

Featured

Julian Conley listens during opening statements in his trial at Fulton County Superior Court in Atlanta on Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025. The 25-year-old is accused of fatally shooting 8-year-old Secoriea Turner in July 2020. (Abbey Cutrer/AJC)

Credit: abbey.cutrer@ajc.com