New CBC Task Force Aims to Protect College Athletes

The Congressional Black Caucus has launched an NCAA task force, which will be led by CBC Chairman Cedric Richmond (D-LA), in light of reports that the NCAA violated rules regarding the payment of student-athletes. In addition to Richmond, the task force includes Joyce Beatty (D-OH), James Clyburn (D-SC), Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX), Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX), Gregory Meeks (D-NY), and Donald Payne, Jr. (D-NJ). “The purpose of this taskforce is to assess the treatment of student-athletes, including the extent to which they are able to get a college education, and the money that influences college sports, including the revenue that is generated by the student-athletes themselves,” said Richmond. “In the coming weeks, the CBC will engage college players, coaches, and administrators, as well as leaders at the NCAA to determine what if anything needs to be done at the federal level to ensure student-athletes are getting what they’re giving to our most prestigious colleges and universities.” Richmond, who played college baseball at Morehouse, said the task force expects to meet after Congress returns from its two-week recess in early April. More here.