Walker plans to use the Student-Athlete Equity Act to push the NCAA to changes its rulesGETTY IMAGES
U.S. Rep. Mark Walker (R-N.C.) is introducing a bill next week that would "amend the definition of a qualified amateur sports organization in the tax code to remove the restriction on student-athletes using or being compensated for use of their name, image and likeness," according to Brian Murphy of the Raleigh NEWS & OBSERVER. Walker called on the NCAA to change its rules in May, saying at that time that legislation "could follow." Now he plans to "bring forward the Student-Athlete Equity Act." Walker said that he is "open to considering possible NCAA restrictions or guidelines, but not the current blanket policy." Walker has "met with the representatives of the NCAA." The NCAA has made "several large enhancements to student-athlete welfare in recent years, but it has fought against any proposal that would allow players to be paid above the cost of attending college -- either in salary or stipend from the universities or in endorsement or service contracts from outside entities." Walker said that the current set-up is "denying athletes ... a chance to monetize their talents." Walker: "This is an earning opportunity for 99 percent of these student athletes who will never have another access to do something like this. It’s in that moment that your earning opportunity is prime" (Raleigh NEWS & OBSERVER, 3/7).
