Getty Image / Johnnie Izquierdo
There’s no debate that the legalization by the United States Supreme Court in 2021 of college athletes profiting off of Name, Image, and Likeness rights has changed college sports in a major way. And, that’s very evident in the SEC, a reality that league commissioner Greg Sankey must deal with.
It wasn’t too long ago where the idea of a college athlete endorsing a product or taking money from a booster or group of boosters was considered borderline immoral. Obviously, that’s not the case anymore.
Instead, we now have a system which is more-or-less pay-to-play for the top collegiate athletes. Which is good, as everyone else was getting rich off of these kids, except the kids. But, one big issue is that it’s more-or-less a free-for-all, with different states having different laws. The NCAA has basically no enforcement power on this, certainly none they’re willing to use, considering the scathing language in the court’s opinion.
So, many think Congress should get involved, and that includes SEC commissioner Greg Sankey. And, at SEC Media Days on Monday, he spoke out about what he wants to see for the future of NIL.
Listenin in to @SEC media days. Commissioner Greg Sankey is talking now about NIL.
He says his advocacy in Congress is "not about taking away these new NIL opportunities."
— Amanda Christovich (@achristovichh) July 17, 2023
He talks about athletes not getting what they're told.
"In many ways, [NIL has] been a net positive for young people. But we all know there are stories…of promises made but not fulfilled. Of inducements offered but not provided. Of empty commitments. Of NIL agreements that…
— Amanda Christovich (@achristovichh) July 17, 2023
Sankey complains that state legislatures are passing laws that prohibit the NCAA or conferences from enforcing their own NIL rules.
"These states haven't been active in enforcing laws, and now, the states are preventing the NCAA and conferences" from doing so.
— Amanda Christovich (@achristovichh) July 17, 2023
Sankey also claims that SEC athletes want to not be concerned that athletes at other schools will get other opportunities and play by different rules because of differing state laws.
— Amanda Christovich (@achristovichh) July 17, 2023
Sankey then reiterates that he doesn't think athletes should be considered employees. Peddles the threat that paying athletes would take money away from olympic/women's sports funding.
"I have yet to have a conversation with an engaged participating student athlete who says they…
— Amanda Christovich (@achristovichh) July 17, 2023
Sankey calls for Congress to pass uniform NIL law, but says it's still up for debate whether or not that will be possible.
— Amanda Christovich (@achristovichh) July 17, 2023
Sankey offers some idea of what he'd want a uniform bill to have, but notes that the specific wording of the bill will be important.
– registration of agents
– transparency and communications
– financial support— Amanda Christovich (@achristovichh) July 17, 2023
I understand where he is coming from. But, it’s pretty hard to see Congress coming together to pass a bill that makes NIL better.