NCAA Criticized For Lack Of Legal Action Against Fantasy Leagues

Former Athlete Feels NCAA Represents Colleges, Not Acting As An Advocate For Student-Athletes

Pro Football HOFer Nick Buoniconti at yesterday's Knight Commission on Intercollegiate Athletics meeting "criticized the NCAA for what he called a 'weak response' to the issue" of whether fantasy sports leagues can can use the names and stats of collegiate athletes, according to Jack Carey of USA TODAY. The NCAA asked CBSSports.com, which this year introduced a fantasy football game that utilizes NCAA players and their stats, to "cease implementation of the football league because of the association's amateurism bylaws." But the NCAA has been "reluctant to take legal action because of the court ruling" in a case involving MLB players against CDM Fantasy Sports. In that case, the court decided in favor of another fantasy league provider. Buoniconti "chided the NCAA for not standing up for players." Buoniconti: "I've always [thought] the NCAA doesn't act as an advocate for student-athletes but represents universities. The NCAA should be leading the fight for student-athletes. Go back and examine your response to fantasy football and every other area of commercialization that could exploit student-athletes. Go back and review what your purpose is." NCAA VP/Senior Advisor to the President Wally Renfro: "No matter how passionate you feel about this, I've yet to hear an argument that the association has the standing to take this on legally." Former NFLer Craig Krenzel said that he would "like to see former players who are now college administrators or in the business world form an advocacy group for current and future players." He said that one idea "would be to explore the possibility of fantasy league providers setting aside some profits from the games to fund post-graduate scholarships for athletes" (USA TODAY, 10/28).