The NCAA’s controversial system of amateurism has mostly withstood everything thrown at it. Trailblazing class action lawsuits, contentious Congressional hearings, incessant criticisms from fans and opinion leaders—nothing has fundamentally changed a group of policies that, by forbidding college athletes from receiving compensation outside of their athletic scholarships, distinguishes college athletes from professional athletes.
Could a pair of state senators from California be the ones to take amateurism down?
Senators Nancy Skinner and Steven Bradford hope so, at least with respect to amateurism at California colleges with major athletic programs.
In February, the pair introduced SB-206, titled the “Fair Pay to Play Act.