The NCAA is making it clear they will not start paying student-athletes, but they are trying to find a way for the athlete to be compensated for their name, image and likeness.
Most rational people agree student-athletes should be compensated. Now, the NCAA is taking the first step toward at least letting the student-athletes be compensated for the use of their name, image and likeness and it could mean the return of NCAA Football.
This would eliminate the suspensions that Todd Gurley and A.J. Green faced when they were at Georgia and sold their jersey or autograph. The NCAA is profiting fistfuls of cash off these players so it’s only fair for the players to receive some money for being themselves, right?
The NCAA is forming a working group that consists of 19 people, including three athletes from the Division I to Division III levels.
The NCAA released a statement on what the group will be tasked with doing.
"“This group will bring together diverse opinions from the membership — from presidents and commissioners to student-athletes — that will examine the NCAA’s position on name, image and likeness benefits and potentially propose rule modifications tethered to education,” said Val Ackerman, commissioner of the Big East and working group co-chair. “We believe the time is right for these discussions and look forward to a thorough assessment of the many complexities involved in this area.”"
The NCAA wants to make it clear this working group is not going to result in student-athletes being paid or viewed as employees. That battle will have to continue, but this represents a step toward that conversation happening one day, hopefully soon.
"“While the formation of this group is an important step to confirming what we believe as an association, the group’s work will not result in paying students as employees,” said Gene Smith, Ohio State senior vice president and athletics director and working group co-chair. “That structure is contrary to the NCAA’s educational mission and will not be a part of this discussion.”"
So what does all of this legal talk mean?
There’s a chance this could lead to the return of the ever-popular NCAA Football video game that’s been discontinued for the last several years. The game was stopped after the Ed O’Bannon antitrust lawsuit that began in 2009.
Fans are still holding out hope that the video game made popular more than 20 years ago will return. This at least provides some hope that there is a chance fans will be able to start a new dynasty, recruit five-stars and build the next great powerhouse in college football.
Just think about what it would mean for the ESports community too.
This better happen.