Yesterday afternoon, Rep. Mark Walker (R NC-6) introduced the Student-Athlete Equity Act to restore the rights of student-athletes. By conditioning the NCAA's tax exemption, the legislation hopes to give student-athletes power of their personal identity and likeness. So now, the NCAA must choose — do what's right or pay taxes.

It's no secret that the NCAA doesn't usually act in the interest of the student athletes they govern. After the tragic death of University of Maryland offensive lineman, Jordan McNair, one Maryland state delegate and former college athlete took it upon herself to provide a way for college athletes to protect themselves. Del. Brooke Lierman introduce HB 548 which would grant college athletes the right to collectively bargain with the university. 

Executive Director, Brian Hess, testified in support of this bill:

At SFC, we’ve been tackling owner greed in professional sports for years. If an owner wants an extra Rolex, they’ll jack up parking fees. A new car? Pricey concessions will do the trick! We understand owners as the money-hungry billionaires they are.  

What we don’t understand, though, is how owner greed has managed to infect higher education. Moreover, we don’t understand why the NCAA is sitting back while everyday students pay for the mistakes of a select few.