State lawmaker intros new bill allowing college athletes to get paid

A state legislator will try again next week to convince fellow lawmakers to pass a bill allowing college athletes to get paid.

Rep. Drew Stokesbary of Auburn tells us people may not like the fact that college sports involve such high finances, but it’s not fair to the college athletes that they don’t get a share.

The bill is a new version of HB 1084 that mirrors California’s “Fair Pay to Play Act,” which was signed into law last year. Stokesbary says no other class of college students is forced to give up the right to be paid for their time or influence.

Washington state rep: NCAA ‘like a cartel,’ needs to pay athletes

“Every other college student that isn’t an athlete has the full set of rights to their name, image and likeness that you and I do,” he said. “It’s only if you’re a college athlete that somehow the NCAA deprives you of these rights.”

He says being on a college team is a job and many players can’t work because of practice and travel demands, and feels that continued pressure is necessary to affect change.

Push to pay NCAA athletes in Washington crosses political lines

“One year ago, the NCAA was refusing to change its rules and Congress was showing no interest in this issue,” he added. “Because of legislative action being taken in states like Washington and California, that is changing. However, more states must continue pushing for reform to ensure the NCAA follows through on its promises.”

The bill is scheduled to be heard in the House on January 28.