After noting recent discoveries of falsified transcripts and other collegiate athletics scandals, this paper discusses the need to maintain academic integrity in athletic programs and defends rules established by the California Commission on Athletics (COA) against charges that they are unfair to community college students. The paper first warns that community colleges are not immune to the cheating that is fostered by a "win at any cost" athletic philosophy and urges administrators to insist on integrity among coaches, honest recruitment practices, and the maintenance of a balance between academics and athletics. Next, charges leveled by the College of the Desert Board of Trustees against three COA rulings are presented and answered. The first rule to be criticized and defended is the "Twenty-Four Unit Rule," which requires students to complete 24 units prior to participating in a second sports season. The defense of this rule includes a description of Merritt College's successful attempt to field a competitive football team and foster the academic growth of the student-athletes through a program of counseling, tutoring, and skills development. The second rule considered requires students who transfer to a community college from a four-year college to complete 12 units in residence before participating in a sports activity. The third rule investigated, is the "No Exception Rule," which does not permit exceptions even in legitimate hardship cases. (JP)