College athletic director calls for Congressional intervention in regulating Name, Image, and Likeness matters

In the ever-evolving landscape of college athletics, Ohio State athletic director Ross Bjork is calling for change. Bjork believes that the industry needs clarity of purpose and rules for the benefit of athletes, citing the ongoing uncertainty as a major concern.

The current state of college athletics is in disarray, with athletes yearning for clarity and legitimacy in their compensation and rules. This is particularly evident in the surge of the transfer portal, which has reached an all-time high due to the implications of the pay-for-play system.

In an attempt to address these issues, the "Score Act" bill was introduced in Congress. However, specific details about its purpose and current development phase are not readily available. Despite this, Bjork sees it as a potential solution for providing clarity in college athletics.

President Donald Trump has also shown support for college athletics. In July, he signed an executive order to set new restrictions on payments to college athletes, prohibiting pay-to-play payments from third-party sources to athletes. However, it does not impose any restrictions on NIL payments to college athletes by third-party sources.

Bjork remains optimistic about the future of college sports, but he emphasises the need for legal liability protection to avoid constant lawsuits. He believes that without government involvement, the number of legal cases in college athletics will continue to rise.

Tom Brady, the legendary NFL quarterback, has also expressed concern about the ongoing uncertainty in college athletics. Bjork, on the other hand, emphasises the need for an experience that athletes want, including knowing the rules and the institution's support for compensation and revenue share.

Bjork is also concerned about the complications that employment could bring to the table in college athletics. He believes that the focus should be on providing opportunities for young people who want to receive an education and play games.

In a bid to be a leading edge in shaping the future of college athletics, Ohio State has added 91 scholarships, majority for women's sports. This move is a testament to Bjork's commitment to creating a fair and inclusive environment for athletes.

Even President Trump has shown interest in college athletics, watching a college football game between Alabama Crimson Tide and Georgia Bulldogs in 2024. As the future of college athletics continues to unfold, Bjork's advocacy for clarity and regulation remains a beacon of hope for athletes and institutions alike.

College athletic director calls for Congressional intervention in regulating Name, Image, and Likeness matters