WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) recently introduced the Amateur Athletes Protection and Compensation Act of 2021 to establish a consistent, federal standard to empower student athletes and give them more control of their name, image and likeness (NIL). Please see the following statements in support of Sen. Moran’s work to reform student athlete compensation rules:

“The University of Kansas commends U.S. Senator Jerry Moran for continuing his leadership role in promoting the modernization of NCAA rules to better suit today’s student-athlete through legislation supporting the monetization of name, image and likeness. Like Senator Moran, KU believes all student-athletes deserve the opportunity to monetize from their NIL while preserving the current collegiate athletics model. Equally as important, KU joins the more than 350 Division I institutions calling for one set of rules – a federal preemption – that will provide a level playing field for all NCAA members. KU will continue to partner with Senator Moran and his colleagues to ensure that all athletic programs are ultimately strengthened at the conclusion of this legislative process.” – The University of Kansas.

“I appreciate Senator Moran’s willingness to seek a national solution for student athletes to benefit from the use of their name, image, and likeness. Senator Moran has unwaveringly supported student athletes at our universities and colleges throughout his time in the United States Senate.” – Gene Taylor, Kansas State University Athletic Director.

“Wichita State University, like most Universities, has been closely following the efforts of the NCAA and state and federal legislatures to provide a path for student-athletes to be able to receive compensation for their name, image and likeness – something that has been previously not been an option under the NCAA rules.  Our student-athletes are critical members of our campus community and we support their ability to build their brand and tell their story. WSU believes legislation can help to preserve the integrity of collegiate athletics while simultaneously providing all athletes access to additional opportunities during their college careers and beyond. Student athletes and the University would benefit from a unified, comprehensive legal framework, and we appreciate the efforts of U.S. Senator Jerry Moran in trying to achieve this at the federal level.” – Wichita State University.

“Emporia State University is pleased by U.S. Senator Moran’s leadership in modernizing the rules that apply to collegiate student athletes. While Division II athletes may not have the same opportunities that Division I athletes have to monetize name, image and likeness, we anticipate that some will. As a Division II NCAA university, Emporia State is focused on “life in the balance,” which is a guiding principle to help assure that Division II student athletes complete their degrees well prepared for life after college. It is my belief that federal legislation is needed to avoid the creation of a patchwork of state laws on this topic and assure consistency across the country. I am eager to partner with Senator Moran and his colleagues to assure that colleges at all levels can continue to provide opportunity through sport.” – Allison Garrett, Emporia State University President.

“Thoughtfully modernizing rules and addressing complexities relating to collegiate student athletes and opportunities for them to monetize their name, image, and likeness is an extremely difficult task. Fort Hays State University applauds Senator Jerry Moran’s efforts in raising awareness of this important issue through the Athlete Protection and Compensation Act. As a university that values all students, Fort Hays State is supportive of efforts to recognize the talents and successes of our student athletes with a coordinated, nationwide policy.” – Tisa Mason, Fort Hays State University President.

The Amateur Athletes Protection and Compensation Act of 2021:

• Prohibits the NCAA, athletic conferences or schools from rendering an amateur intercollegiate athlete ineligible on the basis of entering into a contract or receiving covered compensation.
• Allows student athletes to transfer schools at least once without being penalized.
• Establishes one set of rules to govern all college athletics, preempting any state or local law related to NIL.
• Provides additional protection to athletes by requiring institutions to cover the health care costs related to athletic injuries or illness, as well as honor any grant-in-aid for the duration of the time it takes the athlete to finish their undergraduate degree.
• Establishes the Amateur Intercollegiate Athletics Corporation to create and enforce rules pertaining to NIL.
• Protects athletes’ status as a student by making certain students will not be considered employees of their institutions, conference or a national amateur athletic association based on their participation in sports.

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