WASHINGTON _ The NCAA must allow student-athletes to use their name, image and likeness, opening the door for players to profit while in school, under new federal legislation proposed by a member of Republican House leadership.
The bill, to be introduced by Rep. Mark Walker of North Carolina next week, 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.
"Signing on with a university, if you're a student-athlete, should not be (a) moratorium on your rights as an individual. This is the time and the moment to be able to push back and defend the rights of these young adults," said Walker, a former college athlete and vice chair of the Republican conference.
Walker, a third-term congressman from Greensboro, 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's bill introduction will happen just days before the start of the NCAA men's basketball tournament. CBS and Turner Sports are in the middle of a 22-year, $19.6 billion television contract, which includes an eight-year, $8.8 billion extension signed in 2016, to broadcast the event through 2032.
"They've had time to have their meetings," Walker said. "Here's the thing: We're not asking the university, we're not asking the NCAA to pay a single dollar into this. You've done your part offering a full scholarship. Just don't restrict the rest of it."
Walker said 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.
