Representative Michael Baumgartner (R-Wash.) criticized Big Ten Conference Commissioner Tony Petiti on Wednesday following the House’s decision to postpone a vote on the SCORE Act.
The SCORE Act, which aims to regulate name, image, and likeness transactions in college sports, managed to advance through an initial procedural vote. However, the anticipated final vote was unexpectedly canceled just two hours before it was set to happen.
Baumgartner is among House Republicans who oppose the SCORE Act. He expressed frustration, suggesting that if Big Ten commissioners spent less effort on lobbying in Washington, perhaps they could contribute to crafting effective legislation for college athletics. He echoed sentiments from Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas), claiming the bill isn’t fully prepared for approval.
Addressing the situation on social media, Baumgartner mentioned the necessity of forming a select committee on college sports. He pointed out the fragmented oversight, with multiple committees involved, which complicates reaching a bipartisan solution. There’s talk about how presidential involvement might also be required, recalling past instances like Teddy Roosevelt’s impact on college football reform over a century ago.
The White House recently voiced support for moving the SCORE Act forward, yet Roy, along with Representatives Byron Donald (R-Fla.) and Scott Perry (R-Pa.), broke ranks to vote with Democrats against the proposal.
This legislation is meant to grant the NCAA a limited antitrust exemption, which would prevent athletes from being classified as employees of their respective schools, thereby safeguarding against potential lawsuits related to eligibility. Additionally, it prohibits the use of student fees to fund NIL payments. There’s a chance Republicans might attempt to schedule a vote on this bill as soon as Thursday.
