Between 2005 and 2010, 31 athletes in Urban Meyer’s football program at the University of Florida ran into trouble with the law. Aaron Hernandez became the emblematic member of this group this summer when he was indicted for the murder of his acquaintance Odin Lloyd.

After the murder indictment, the Columbus Dispatch asked Meyer, who is currently the head football coach at Ohio State University, about being labeled as an enabler.

“When I hear that, the first thing I know is it’s not true,” said Meyer. “And second, I don’t spend much time thinking about it.”

Meanwhile, Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Riley Cooper, a formal pupil of Meyer, was caught on camera  shouting racial epithets at a Kenny Chesney concert this summer.

This pattern of behavior has led many to ask whether the legacy of the University of Florida football program under Meyer is the result of an institutional failure.

It seems like winning at all costs trumps personal accountability.

“There is a huge difference between Division I and Division III athletics,” said senior women’s lacrosse player E’leyna Garcia. “It is only about winning in Division I.”

The pressure to win at all costs is not only felt at the collegiate level.

“We try and recruit the right people who understand our commitment to the Guilford community,” said Head Women’s Lacrosse Coach Sarah Lamphier. “Still, there are individuals who will never buy in.”

Stories of this mentality affecting sports are becoming increasingly common.

“My college coaches have definitely been more receptive and offered more help than in high school,” said senior and football defensive lineman Chris Ward. “Coaches and players routinely talk about being leaders on and off campus and representing our fellow students.”

According to Rolling Stone, the failure of New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick’s organization was equally appalling as Meyer’s.

The article detailed illegalities that were swept under the rug, such as PCP use and tardiness issues after Hernandez was drafted in 2010.

Belichick not only inherited the talent of Hernandez, but the morally deficient product that Meyer created.

“Certainly there is enough evidence to say that the coaches focused on winning over Hernandez’s well-being,” said Bob Malekoff, chair and assistant professor of sports studies. “The culture of big time sports puts athletes on a pedestal and gives them an heir of invincibility.

“Until we say that we truly believe in the student more than the athlete, and make that commitment, winning will trump all.”

Belichick is still the coach of the Patriots. Last year, Meyers led a sanctioned team to an undefeated record.

“The truth, in the end (is that) as long as we beat Michigan and make a bowl game each year, Ohio State fans will be happy with anything Coach Meyer does,” said sophomore Scott Lewis.