How about this.
If you offer a kid a scholarship and he comes to college, works his butt off in the class room, keeps his grades up and is working towards his degree but it doesn't work out on the field, the football program can let the kid go from the football team, but he is guaranteed the scholarship to school and the academic help the athletic program offers. And, that scholarship does not count towards the 85 anymore.
Meaning, if it doesn't work out on the field, the kid is still guaranteed his education and the football program is footing the bill. BUT, the football team can move on to someone who is excelling both in the class room AND on the field as far as the team goes.