Regardless whether it can be proven or not, the perception is that student-athletes, who participate in either men's basketball or football, are encouraged by someone (maybe a coach) to pick an "easy major" (i.e. Communications) so they have an easier time to remain eligible. I am not sure if the perception is true for the other sports, but I guess the perception could be the same if that school is perceived to be a "factory" for a particular sport.

There is a reason certain degrees become known as "jock degrees." For the student-athletes, who decided to major in a "jock degree," I think it is unlikely that majority of them made the decision without a recommendation from someone in a position of authority. While I was undecided major at VT, I know my student adviser didn't make any recommendations on which majors I should select to remain "eligible" to participate in the intramural flag football league.