Boozman Statement on Senate Passage of Protect College Sports Act

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) released the following statement after the Senate passage of the Protect College Sports Act : “I was pleased to support passage of the Protect College Sports Act. This bipartisan legislation will help student athletes succeed on and off the field while establishing clear, sensible rules that preserve the integrity of collegiate athletics. As a former Razorback, I along with so many Arkansans want current and future generations of young adults to have the opportunity to compete and succeed while also preserving what makes it so special. This bill will help end the chaos, stabilize college sports and ensure players can still share in the benefits they generate.” Background The Protect College Sports Act would restore a national rulebook for college athletics, establishing clear, consistent rules for student-athletes and universities. The legislation has broad support from more than 370 colleges and universities nationwide, including the University of Arkansas, Arkansas State University, the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, University of Central Arkansas and the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. The legislation would: Limit transfers to one penalty-free transfer, with additional transfers permitted under specific circumstances including if the coach leaves, if the program is canceled, or if the athlete is a victim of sexual assault or harassment. If an athlete wishes to transfer outside of these circumstances, he or she will have to redshirt, meaning the athlete will sit out for one year; Set an eligibility standard of five years, with a cap at age 24; Prohibit fraudulent Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) and recruiting inducements to get a student athlete to enroll or transfer in a school, as well as create a uniform NIL framework that nullifies the current patchwork of inconsistent, conflicting state laws; Provide greater health and safety protections to athletes; and Create national rules for revenue sharing that will foster competitive balance. Boozman has been a strong advocate for the Protect College Sports Act. To read his recent column on the legislation, click here.