While many college coaches earn large salaries, the athletes under their guidance are paid in accolades, scholarships and the drive for championship glory. Now California is changing the game of collegiate sports with the Fair Pay to Play Act.
RELATED: Holiday Bowl To Feature Pac-12, ACC Teams Beginning In 2020
The bill would allow college athletes to cash in on endorsement deals and the use of their likeness, which is currently against NCAA regulations. In fact, the NCAA has threatened to ban California schools from competitions if the 'Fair Pay' bill becomes law arguing it would give California schools an unfair recruiting advantage. The bill awaits Governor Gavin Newsom's signature.
"Everyone's expectation is that in some way this will become the law in all 50 states," said Len Simon, an adjunct professor at the University of San Diego School of Law, who had a role in crafting California's Fair Pay to Play Act.
RELATED: Should Black Athletes Go To Black Schools?
"I'm loving this legislation because people don't understand that scholarship money can only take you so far. I have known athletes who could not function well because they needed food to eat," said Alicia Gwynn, a former college athlete and widow of baseball great Tony Gwynn.
Alicia Gwynn and Len Simon join Midday Edition to talk about what this legislation could mean for college athletes.
