By Ken Reed
National support for college athletes being able to use their names, images and likenesses to earn money beyond a scholarship continues to grow. In a recent survey, two-thirds of Americans said they think college athletes should be able to keep any endorsement money they can earn while playing sports for their colleges and universities.
Is the NCAA finally listening?
“The opinions of the public in general are very important because they are reflected in the attitudes of universities, who are the ones that actually make the rules,” said NCAA President Mark Emmert in reaction to the poll conducted by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.
The NCAA is currently looking into rules that would allow athletes to keep money earned from their names, images and likenesses following a new California law which was enacted late last year that makes it illegal for colleges in the state to penalize athletes for taking money for endorsements.
“This kind of strong public support will continue to spark much needed change, and it’s clear the groundswell of support for athletes is growing,” said Sen. Chris Murphy of Connecticut.
— Ken Reed, Sports Policy Director, League of Fans
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