The NCAA has been clear that it "needs Congress's help to determine how to fairly compensate college athletes," but during a Senate hearing yesterday, several lawmakers "expressed concerns about the federal government playing a role in crafting or enforcing rules around compensation," according to Rick Maese of the WASHINGTON POST. Five states have already passed legislation that "would allow college athletes to soon receive endorsement money." Some two dozen others are "considering similar bills." The NCAA has asked Congress "to help bring some uniformity to the matter." Yesterday's hearing "largely made clear how much opposition remains, particularly among some Republicans, to the idea of federal regulation." National College Players Association Exec Dir Ramogi Huma pointed out that Ohio State "saw more than $209 million in athletics-related revenue last year." Huma: "They can't say that if they were to share some of that with some of the nonrevenue athletes, that they suddenly have to cut all sports. You'll get the scare tactic even from the top producers. It's just not true." Maese notes the National College Players Association has worked with state legislatures "to craft bills related to name, image and likeness issues" (WASHINGTON POST, 9/16).
