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If college students should reap lucrative benefits from their athletic performance has been a constant conversation. Opinions on the issue go both ways. A California bill has recently passed, asserting that athletes attending state schools could earn compensation for the use of their own name, image or likeness. The bill passed in the Senate by a landslide, 31–4 vote. Unfortunately, the grass may not be greener on the other side of this situation.

The bill is expected to begin in 2023, but NCAA President, Mark Emmert, has issued a warning that if the California bill passes, schools could potentially be barred from competing in NCAA championships.

In a letter sent to the chair of two State Assembly committees last week, Emmert also urged for the committees to  postpone their evaluation of the bill while the NCAA examines the rules regarding athlete compensation for their names, images, and likenesses.

“We recognize all of the efforts that have been undertaken to develop this bill in the context of complex issues related to the current collegiate model that have been the subject of litigation and much national debate,” Emmert said in his letter. “Nonetheless, when contrasted with current NCAA rules, as drafted the bill threatens to alter materially the principles of intercollegiate athletics and create local differences that would make it impossible to host fair national championships. As a result, it likely would have a negative impact on the exact student-athletes it intends to assist.”

According to Sports Illustrated, a hearing and vote by the Assembly’s Arts, Entertainment, Sports, Tourism and Internet Media Committee will be conducted next week. The bill would next be reviewed by the Higher Education Committee and has to be approved by July 11th to remain active this year.

Twenty-three NCAA Division-I schools could possibly be impacted by the bill, if passed, including four Pac-12 programs.

What are your thoughts?

Source: Baller Alert