![Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/LA%20COliseum.jpg?itok=wAuKHZNr)
The aptly named USC Trojan’s Memorial Coliseum boasts an Olympic torch atop an open colonnade.
!['Pollice Verso' is a painting by French artist Jean-Léon Gérôme.](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/1024px-Jean-Leon_Gerome_Pollice_Verso_0.jpg?itok=2tdJO73a)
Pollice Verso, or "with a turned thumb," is a painting by French artist Jean-Léon Gérôme, featuring the infamous gesture given to victorious gladiators. This image inspired Ridley Scott's 2000 film, Gladiator.
![A statue of the Greek goddess Aretê.](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/Arete_0.jpg?itok=q9ELA4DD)
A statue of the Greek goddess Aretê in modern-day Turkey represents “greatness of any kind,” which many believe is the ideal of college sports.
![Ed O’Bannon.](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/Ed%20OBannon.jpg?itok=_NSUPLI4)
The lead plaintiff in O’Bannon v. NCAA, Ed O’Bannon, is spearheading the present antitrust class action lawsuit against the NCAA.
![Pierre de Coubertin.](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/Pierre%20Cobertein%20Stamp.jpg?itok=VVDLKrlz)
Pierre de Coubertin, an intellectual and politician, developed the idea of “amateur” sports.
Commenting on the game’s violent nature, linebacker Takeo Spikes directly likened football players to “modern-day gladiators.”
![The fragmentary relief of a Roman gladiatorial scene.](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/Gladiator%20Scene.jpg?itok=hUhxhisR)
The fragmentary relief of a Roman gladiatorial scene from late first century BCE, from VRoma Archives.
![This statue on University of Cincinnati’s campus commemorates Oscar Robertson.](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/Oscar%20Robertson.jpg?itok=pGnFG14n)
This statue on University of Cincinnati’s campus commemorates college and NBA basketball player, Oscar Robertson, now an advocate of student-athlete rights.
![Basketball star Andrew Wiggins.](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/DUnk.jpg?itok=UfmnQeaM)
Basketball star Andrew Wiggins entered into the NBA in 2014 after one year of playing college ball.
![Ohio State’s football program is celebrating its 125th year.](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/OSU_125th_anniversary.png?itok=7-lSUPiZ)
Ohio State’s football program is celebrating its 125th year. The graduation rate of black male athletes at OSU is among the lowest in the six major Division I athletic conferences.
![Ohio State’s 'horseshoe' stadium.](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/Horseshoe.jpg?itok=bQGtdvuc)
Ohio State’s “horseshoe” stadium is built in the style of Roman amphitheaters.