By Howard Fischer | Capitol Media Services via Arizona Capitol Times
Gov. Doug Ducey said Friday he’s open to some form of compensation for college athletes – but nothing like the bill approved by California lawmakers.
But he conceded that Arizona may be forced to look at the issue to ensure that colleges here can continue to attract talent if the California measure becomes law, especially if there isn’t a nationwide solution first.
The measure awaiting the signature of California Gov. Gavin Newsom would not allow colleges to pay athletes, a model that has been considered from time to time. Instead, it would allow students themselves to hire state-licensed agents who could get them contracts for endorsements and sponsorships.
On one hand, Ducey said these athletes do get a college education.
“They’re getting a full-ride scholarship,” he said. “So that is compensation to a certain degree.”
Still, he acknowledged, that doesn’t cover other costs.
“I do have concern for students who can’t get back and forth to where they grew up, and that their parents can’t participate,” the governor said.
And then there’s the fact that colleges do financially benefit from revenues from sporting events.
“I understand there is an incredible amount of money that’s being generated by these athletes,” he explained. “I do think there probably is an equitable, more equitable way to do it.”
Still, there’s a limit to how far Ducey is willing to go beyond some additional dollars, saying such a measure raises difficult questions.READ ON:
