The U.S. Senate voted Monday night on the “Protect College Sports Act”. The bill passed 77- 22.
The legislation was sponsored on a bi-partisan basis by Senators Ted Cruz (R.-TX)and Maria Cantwell (D.-WA).
The House of Representatives has adjourned until after Election Day, so there will not be a vote on the bill in that chamber until mid-November at the earliest.
The supporters of the bill say the legislation is needed to fix what they call an era of chaos in Division 1 athletics. There are constant lawsuits over eligibility rules, exorbitant player salaries and recruitment bonuses, as well as runaway deficits in athletic department budgets. College sports right now also includes unlimited transfers for athletes between schools. This bill includes an antitrust exemption for the NCAA which would be able to set new standards in these areas without fear of being successfully sued in federal court.
The legislation was brought to the floor of the Senate at a time when several other major national issues are still pending.
The colorful Senator John Kennedy (R.-La) voted for the bill but adds “…I haven’t met a single person on the campaign trail, when they lie down at night to sleep and can’t, who are worried about football coaches.”
Senator Cruz is outspoken in support of his own bill which he says is crucial to “…protect an American institution that millions of people love…”
While the bill passed with bi-partisan support, not everyone agrees that this legislation is beneficial to college athletes.
Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) played tight end at Stanford in the late ‘80s.
“We have a bill that’s going to protect the wealth and the gravy train for a lot of folks,” says Booker, “but puts burdens on college athletes. That’s what frustrates me…”
The first step in the legislative process was accomplished last night with the affirmative Senate vote. The cooperation between the political parties was impressive.
However, the bill will face opposition in the House and many legislative efforts over the decades have been approved in one chamber but not in the other. The ultimate fate of the “Protect College Sports Act” is a coin flip at this point.
We at NFL Alumni will keep you updated.
