THE DRAKE GROUP APPLAUDS COLLEGE ATHLETES’ RIGHTS BILL – CALLS FOR IMMEDIATE CONSIDERATION
On August 3, 2022, U.S. Senators Cory Booker, Richard Blumenthal, Brian Schatz, Ron Wyden, and Alex Padilla re-introduced the “College Athletes Bill of Rights,” legislation aimed at advancing justice and opportunity for college athletes. “The “College Athletes Bill of Rights” is long overdue and extremely important,” said Andrew Zimbalist, President of The Drake Group, an organization focused on the reform of collegiate athletics.
“It protects college athletes’ rights to NIL income, agent representation, gender equity, transfer to a new school, enter pro sports drafts and return to college, have the same freedom of speech as other students, proper medical care and coverage for four years after eligibility ends, tutoring from outside the athletics department, and a national commission to implement and enforce these provisions with strict penalties for violations,” said Zimbalist. “The Drake Group enthusiastically endorses this bill.”
He continued, “The Drake Group also expresses the hope that amendments to the bill will be considered prior to its consideration in the 118th Congress to better address racial issues, allow governance organizations to legislate narrow and reasonable restrictions necessary to determine recruiting violations, revise provisions that allow fiscally irresponsible expenditures, and more clearly define the gender equity obligations of conference and national governance organizations. Click here for details on recommended amendments.