March Madness kicks off this week, and it seems like everyone involved is making the big bucks, except the players.
One North Carolina congressman says that’s not fair.
News13 Washington Correspondent Brie Jackson looked at a new bill that would allow the athletes to profit from the use of their name and pictures.
Big time college sports programs attract cheering fans and bring millions of dollars to schools each year. But, college athletes get nothing: no TV money and no money when their name or picture is used to sell tickets, or even video games.
“I believe in free markets. I think that is what makes America great,” said Rep. Mark Walker (R-NC).
Congressman Walker says he’s introduced a bill that would allow college athletes to earn money, not from the schools, but from outside companies.
“If those folks want to go back home and work somewhere on the side to be able to have access to that likeness they are allowed to do so,” Rep. Walker also said.
Under current NCAA rules, student-athletes receive scholarships, but stand to lose their eligibility if they sign endorsement deals.
Rep. Walker said his bill would change that, and provide income to star players, as well as those who won’t ever play professionally.
Lisa Delpy Neirotti, Sports Management Professor at George Washington University, said benefits should be strictly tied to education. She said adding outside money to the mix could lead to corruption, and it’s certainly a distraction.
Neirotti said scholarships are expensive and schools aren’t getting rich on athletics.
Supporters of the bill said it provides opportunity for students, but opponents said only a small number of players would benefit.
