ST. LOUIS — Will athletes really be paid to play?
5 On Your Side Sports Director Frank Cusumano has a few thoughts on the big announcement this week from the NCAA.
On Tuesday, the NCAA Board of Governors voted unanimously on to clear the way for the amateur athletes to "benefit from the use of their name, image and likeness."
“They finally caved and announced they’re going to allow athletes to benefit from the use of their name,” Cusumano said.
But what the heck does that actually mean?
“Most of us immediately thought athletes can get paid in the Escalade and make cold hard cash during commercials!”
The NCAA used the words, ‘The athlete’s benefit, not compensation.’ This also means they may not get a thing until after their eligibility ends.
The NCAA is not allowing cash payments, the only way athletes will benefit is if state law demands it.
NCAA rules have long barred players from hiring agents and the association has steadfastly refused to allow players to be paid by their schools, with some exceptions. A California law set to take effect in 2023 would prevent athletes from losing their scholarships or being kicked off their teams for signing endorsement deals. Other states could put laws in place earlier than that.
“If you want athletes to make money on their name, I’ll give you three words from NFL hall-of-famer Randy Moss, ‘Straight cash homie.’” Cusumano said.