Bill allows student athletes to monetize themselves

By Taxpayers Association of Oregon
OregonWatchdog.com

College athletes would be able to earn money from their image and likeness if Oregon House members pass Senate Bill 5 and Gov. Kate Brown signs the controversial measure into law.

Sponsor Sen. Peter Courtney, Senate president, said the bill would let those who provide entertainment by sacrificing their bodies, minds, and hearts on football fields and basketball courts profit from their efforts. However, University of Oregon and Oregon State University have fought the proposal. Courtney said OSU plans to launch a new program, expOSUre, that maximizes student athletes’ names, images, and likenesses for educational purposes.

If approved by the House and signed by the governor, the measure would take effect July 1.

Similar bills have been advancing in California, Georgia and Michigan.   In Congress, Sen. Bernie Sanders (Vt.) has proposed the College Athletes Right to Organize Act so athletes could form unions.

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