Florida lawmakers weigh in on NCAA student athlete payment debate

ORLANDO, Fla. — Congress is weighing in on the debate over whether to pay student athletes.

After California passed a law allowing players to make endorsements without risking scholarships or eligibility, other states are now looking to do the same.

States all over the country, including Florida, are trying to pass laws that would allow athletes to make money off their own name, image and likeness.

A Senate panel will host a hearing Tuesday to discuss player compensation, hoping to avoid conflicting state laws.

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According to those advocates, the NCAA makes hundreds of millions of dollars every year. The head of the NCAA opposes paying players and is urging Congress to craft uniform guidelines that universities, nationwide, can follow.

Athletes are currently limited to scholarships that can cover tuition, food and housing.

“It is about winning and revenue generation,” Dr. David Ridpath, with Ohio University, said. “And the athletes were largely just pawns in this big game where a lot of people got rich and they didn't.”

Meanwhile, there are also bills in the Florida Legislature being considered that would allow college athletes to sign endorsement deals.

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The proposal would allow college athletes across the state to market themselves. The bill quickly passed its first committee two weeks ago.

It would establish a Bill of Rights, setting rules for how they could be paid for their name, image or likeness.

The proposal is one of several already filed in Tallahassee.

Unlike other bills, this one would also guarantee athletes health insurance and financial aid.

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