On Tuesday afternoon, NCAA’s top decision makers voted unanimously to amend the ruling on college athletes being able to profit from their name, image and likeness. Furthermore, the board came up with an amendment to update current rules that allow a distinction between college and professional sports.
Notably, the board members decided Tuesday that the changes would make sure student-athletes have the same opportunities to make money as all other students. For example, a popular sports video game was previously released before the current ruling went into effect that popularized NCAA Football. Now, that game is not allowed to be produced by video game companies due to athletes not being able to have their likeness used without compensating them for such.
The NCAA voted unanimously Tuesday to allow college athletes to make money from their name, image and likeness "in a manner consistent with the collegiate model." https://t.co/BUWfeXrolC
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) October 29, 2019
In addition, the board wants the new changes in effect for 2021.
Board chair Michael Drake was quoted in the ESPN article on the topic. Drake says that this is further supporting the student-athlete experience.
“We must embrace change to provide the best possible experience for college athletes. Additional flexibility in this area can and must continue to support college sports as a part of higher education. This modernization for the future is a natural extension of the numerous steps NCAA members have taken in recent years to improve support for student-athletes, including full cost of attendance and guaranteed scholarships.”
Equally important, it appears that state and federal laws have prompted the NCAA to look at making this change to their current rules and regulations.
Finally, how do you feel about the compensation of NCAA athletes? Either way, someone always seems to have a strong opinion on this topic. Personally, I think that college athletes should be paid something; but it’s tough to determine beyond scholarship dollars what that amount should be. In short, I’m glad it’s not up to me.
Let us know your thoughts on the topic in the comments section below!
