Earlier this week, two Tenn. lawmakers filed two bills that would allow college athletes to be paid – following the lead of California, which just became the first state to pass a “Fair Pay to Play” act + similar proposed bills in Florida, Illinois, + S.C. As these bills are proposed + passed in other states, recruiting efforts will become more difficult (if some states pay and some don’t, which do you think athletes will choose?), which is why the senators want to take action now.

The new law would allow schools to put money into a trust fund for players of “profitable sports” (like football and basketball) to collect after they graduate + make them eligible to earn money via sponsorships + autograph sales.

What the Tenn. lawmakers are saying:

"The NCAA has been making billions of dollars off our college athletes for years and it's time for this to end because those athletes don't get one dime of that money." – Sen. Brian Kelsey, R-Germantown

"They're still dealing with the injuries, the wear and tear on their bodies and everything else that comes from playing the sports that generates millions of dollars for our universities." – Sen. Antonio Parkinson, D-Memphis

Some people from Tenn. athletics have weighed in:

"I believe that it will impact college athletes in a way that we haven’t talked about in a long time." – Derek Mason, Vanderbilt Football Coach

"I think it's really going to affect recruiting, the scope of winning championships, teams that have played together. It's gonna make it hard for teams to be competitive long term." – Deonna Davis, Director of Women's Basketball Operations at Tennessee State University

Sen. Parkinson stated concerns over athletes sacrificing their time and health for years and never going pro, leaving them behind when it comes to post-graduate life. Lee Solomon, a former David Lipscomb baseball player, agrees.

"You leave practice or leave study hall and the dining hall is closed, and you have to figure out man how am I going to go spend money to eat something tonight. If someone else has this great idea that they want to pursue, get out in front of and make some money off of, they get to get the ball rolling and do that. If you're an athlete, you might have to wait 4 years, 5 years to get to do that."

We posted about the bill on social media and asked our followers what they thought about it. Check out what they said and join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter, + Instagram.

In favor:

“Sponsorships may allow athletes to focus more on school by lifting financial burdens. 🤷” – @shelbyoutside

“Yes, because those in power are already benefiting from the hard work of those below them.” – Chris R.

“It's the same as in pro sports... the best will get top endorsements. The middle will make money off local businesses and some will just be happy to have the free education, room and board and spending cash... it's time for the antiquated ncaa "amateur" system to be put to bed.” – Grant F.

Opposed:

“... If they all aren’t getting paid then none should get paid ... or those that get paid should have their scholarships revoked.” - Karin K.

“There is now going to be an arms race between states and colleges to buy recruits in this manner. Until the NCAA or federal government makes a uniform policy. [...] The schools that win will be the schools with the most students, biggest markets, largest alumni communities, and or largest population centers. Because those are the customers for player promoted products.” – Chris B.