Lawmaker Calls for Student-Athlete Select Committee

There’s been much movement on the issue of name, image and likeness legislation since California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a law that will allow that state’s student-athletes to market themselves and seek money, including some movement on Capitol Hill in Washington, where some have proposed federal legislation on the subject.

Now, according to Sunshine State News, Florida Congressman Al Lawson has called for the creation of a select committee on student-athletes to address many of the issues currently being considered by the states.

“Student athletes are the backbone of any athletic program and give so much of themselves and their talents to their schools,” Lawson wrote in a letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. “As members of Congress, we must work to protect the interests of our students academically, medically and professionally.”

#Studentathletes are the backbone of any athletic program and give so much of themselves and their talents to their schools. As Members of Congress, we must work to protect the interests of our students academically, medically and professionally https://t.co/DLB1ZP4u2r

— US Rep. Al Lawson Jr (@RepAlLawsonJr) October 22, 2019

Lawson, a former Florida A&M student-athlete, suggested that the committee focus specifically on the so-called one-and-done rule, the definition of “amateur” as applied to student-athletes, and guaranteeing a path to degree completion for both current and former student-athletes.

“College athletes and their families deserve respect and fair legislation that protects their rights,” Lawson said. “While there are many layers to the pressures and responsibilities student-athletes face, creating a select committee like this, with as many voices as possible, is the first step in truly supporting our young men and women.”