Fair Pay to Play Act
Earlier this month, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed the Fair Pay to Play Act, which allows college athletes to profit off of their likeness and image, starting in 2023. What I mean by image and likeness, is that student athletes can sell autographs, profit off of their jersey, and sign deals with local businesses.
While this may seem like a total win for college athletes and universities, Norman Chad describes it as “a step in the right and the wrong direction at the same time” (CLICK HERE to read his full article). The NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association), has been very against this law. They have threatened to remove California schools from participating in postseason and intercollegiate events. Not only does this provide an issue, but this also becomes a major recruiting tactic for these schools. They can offer kids more money to play for their school, instead of playing for a top notch program like Alabama or Clemson in the game of football. Along with these problems, there also comes a benefit for players that may come from a less fortunate background, and this is a way for them to help provide for themselves and their families. Not only is this law for football, but it is for all sports, so how do colleges decide how much a starting quarterback makes versus a women’s lacrosse star. Does it come down to who produces more media influence? A way to fix this situation, could be to allow players to leave after one year of playing their sport to go pro, and make money there, but another solution could be to just let this situation play out and see what becomes of it.
As I wrap up this post, I leave you with these questions: is this really a step in the right direction? Will this lead to more corruption? Should this be a nationwide law? And do you think coaches and staff involved in programs outside the state of California tolerate this situation?
I personally believe that this is a step in the wrong direction. This is because of the reason you stated above about the NCAA restricting California schools from participating in events. I also think college athletes don't need to be paid because they are compensated in other categories such as tuition or housing. I support coaches like Dabo Swinney who state that we can work towards different ways to benefit the student athlete but money in not an option and is for the football program, not the players.
ReplyDeleteInteresting post, Max. It does seem like it might be difficult to quantify hat each player gets paid.
ReplyDeleteOne suggestion: adding an image would enhance your blog post.