The Supreme Court of the United States of American planted a clean blow on the NCAA’s future vision of continued amateurism in college sports, Monday. Judges essentially ruled for an increase in how college athletes can be compensated for educational expenses needed during their time at college. It’s important to note this ruling has nothing to do with NIL (Name Image & Likeness) litigation, or paying players salaries. There is far more nuance associated with this sweeping decision.
So, what exactly does it mean for the NCAA and student athletes?
Steve Berkowitz of USA TODAY jumped on the line with Suke Monday and tried to make sense of what further benefits athletes can now receive with this ruling. “The way the injunction in the case was set up, the education related benefits could pay for certain academic achievements,” Berkowtiz said. “The schools can make rules about this on a conference by conference level, but the conferences can collude.”
Many people are getting hung up on the term “educational expenses” when it comes to this latest ruling. It’s possible that some universities could game the system and make up benefits for bogus purchases, but Berkowitz indicates that is not likely. “The district court attempted to narrow this down to specific things like computers, musical instruments, paid post eligibility internships and graduate school opportunities.”
It will be interesting to see how this latest ruling opens potential flood gates for more legal challenges to player compensation. Even more interesting, will be viewing reactions from the NCAA.
