Oregon State Senate Passes SB1501

According to OregonLive and other sources, the Oregon State Senate has passed HB1501.

Critics of the rephresensible, contemptible and utterly obsolete NCAA model have gained momentum via federal and state government intervention.

The NCAA is increasingly under fire from the federal government since California brought the issue of financial compensation of athletes to the forefront last year. The NCAA administration has been called to testify in front of Congress multiple times because of this issue.

A multitude of states have adopted or are considering adopting laws that deal with the issue of student athlete recompense because the NCAA is an archaic and outmoded organization unable to fix things themselves.

Why is this important?

HB1501 deals with the compensation of student athletes in the state of Oregon. It is similar resolution to California's image likeness rights law signed by their governor, Gavin Newsom.

If the bill passes the Oregon House of Representatives, it would require Governor Katie Brown's signature to become law.

If all the above occurs, the law would allow for student athletes in the state of Oregon to be compensated for "coaching" (think coaching clinics for kids) and endorsements.

How this benefits Oregon and the student athletes?

The obvious financial benefits to the student athletes notwithstanding, it would nullify the significant recruiting advantage given to the state of California if signed.

Something else to consider: the giant gulf in fiscal advantage currently enjoyed by the SEC and Big Ten over its peers like the moribund Pac-12 would be nullified to a certain degree.

When would the law go into effect?

2023. This wouldn't help the current generation of athletes but future generations. Athletes that are currently in middle school would be the first to benefit from this.

Let's hope that the state House and Katie Brown are sensible and get this done. Stay tuned for more updates as they come.