SEC and Big Ten announce opposition to Protect College Sports Act as bill heads to Senate floor

(Dave Adamson/Unsplash, YHN)

The SEC and Big Ten conferences have released a statement showing opposition to the bipartisan Senate bill from Sens. Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA) which has become known as the Protect College Sports Act.

Shortly after the introduction of the bill last month, the conferences expressed concerns about certain aspects and wanted changes made, however it did seem like they would be able to make everyone happy. With the bill passing the Senate Commerce Committee 19-9 on Thursday and heading to the Senate floor though, it sounds like the two most significant conferences in the sport are still not satisfied.

“From the outset, we identified a set of essential revisions to the PCSA necessary for the long-term sustainability of college athletics,” the statement read. “We have worked with both majority and minority staff to advance those revisions, which focus on better supporting student-athletes and stabilizing the college sports environment. We continue to believe revisions are needed to secure our support for the bill.

“Despite our sustained engagement and good faith efforts, these critical revisions have not been accepted. We are encouraged that several Commerce Committee members share our concerns and support these recommendations. We will continue working with stakeholders to ensure the PCSA delivers meaningful protections for student-athletes and lasting stability for college sports.”

The bill appears to be moving forward without approval from the two most significant decision makers in college sports, which could present some problems later on. With that being said, lawmakers are making good on their promise to try to address the issues which continue to threaten to completely derail college athletics, and the Protect College Sports Act headed to the Senate floor is an excellent next step.

Michael Brauner is a Senior Sports Analyst and Contributing Writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @MBraunerWNSP and hear him every weekday morning from 6 to 9 a.m. on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5, available free online.