TEMPE - There are major cuts coming in the athletic department out at Arizona State University.

The economic struggles we've all been feeling are now being felt on campus.

Wrestler reacts to news

azfamily.com

 VIDEO: ASU speaks about cuts  

The university just announced that it will cut three varsity men's programs, effective immediately,   men's swimming, men's tennis and wrestling will no longer be a part of ASU sports.

The athletic department says it can longer afford to fund all of its teams.

ASU President Michael Crow and Vice President for University Athletics Lisa Love made the annoument earlier today.

"Our primary concern for the immediate future is the student-athletes and coaches that are affected," said Love.

Student-athletes in the discontinued sports who decide to transfer will be provided with full assistance.

Those on scholarships will continue to receive their benefits if they remain at ASU.

With 20 varsity sports, ASU is still in line with other Pac 10 schools and major universities around the country.

"With a dedicated effort to a successful 20-sport varsity program in mind," said Love, "these three sports were selected with the following criteria: financial impact, potential competitive success, conference/regional support and gender equity. Our revenue trajectory has been positive, however, our ongoing financial challenges have been well documented by the media. The decision to discontinue sport programs is a last resort, yet necessary."

The cuts affect about 70 student athletes and six full-time coaches.

ASU said the 20 team varsity sports program will save the school a total of approximately $1 million.