Top NCAA officials will meet today in Atlanta for their "first formal discussion about modifying rules that currently prohibit college athletes from making money by selling the rights to their names, images or likenesses." The NCAA BOG is "expecting to hear recommendations on how to move forward" from Ohio State AD Gene Smith and Big East Commissioner Val Ackerman, who are "spearheading a committee that has spent the past five months evaluating options for a more modern path forward." This week's meeting will be the "first official gathering of the board" since California passed the Fair Pay To Play Act (ESPN.com, 10/28).
Today's session is a "jumping off point." Sources indicated that the "earliest the NCAA could have formal legislation through the typical process would be January 2021." Big 12 Commissioner Bob Bowlsby, who is a part of the working group, said, "It's not going to be a short process. There aren't going to be any answers [today]. ... Everybody believes that change is timely and necessary." But Bowlsby added, "Anything that appears to be a proxy for pay for play (will not be allowed)" (CBSSPORTS.com, 10/28).
