but, it's not even close to the most important thing to happen to Rutgers this week. When you consider the actual dollars involved, the merger with UMDNJ-New Brunswick passing a crucial milestone is far, far more important. The athletics subsidy is a rounding error in the school's budget. Re-establishing Rutgers Medical School will add hundreds of millions in research dollars every year. Not that this plea will do any good, but let's at least try to keep some perspective here, okay?

UMDNJ is the biggest priority for Rutgers right now, and New Jersey Governor Chris Christie is bringing some of his trademark tough rhetoric into the equation, promising that he will personally make the difference in securing this deal where previous attempts failed.

Rutgers alumnus Ray Lesniak is way out of line in criticizing a deal that will still be fantastic for Rutgers-New Brunswick. (Lesniak is choosing North Jersey parochialism over his alumni status, insisting that Rutgers should engage in a full merger with UMDNJ and NJIT in Newark.) The fate of Rutgers-Camden is a complicated issue, with valid arguments on both sides. The New Brunswick merger is not. It is an unambiguous slam dunk with absolutely no downsides whatsoever.

Newark remains a concern, and Rutgers-Camden is gearing up to fight the merger tooth and nail. Ultimately, their fate lies with the Rutgers Board of Trustees - who may not want to give up Camden, but certainly would if that was the price required to guarantee and secure the future of the New Brunswick campus. Between that factor, and South Jersey legislators being indebted to George Norcross, it will be an uphill battle.

Okay, for the sports fans here - there's another interesting question with the proposed merger in South Jersey. Would the combined school decide to upgrade to DI athletics?