T*W*I*S: NCAA’s Emmert Takes Firm Stand on Key Issues

NCAA President Mark Emmert paved the way for reform in his inaugural speech at the organization’s annual convention last week in San Antonio, Texas.  In particular, Mr. Emmert announced his intention to close the loopholes which resulted in wide criticism of the association’s eligibility rulings in the matters of Auburn’s Cameron Newton and five Ohio State football players.  Obviously referring to the Newton case, Emmert told NCAA delegates that parents who attempt to trade favors or money for the services of their children is wrong and that he intends to push legislation through which would disallow such practices.  On the Ohio State situation, but without pointing directly to that set of circumstances, he said,  “Student-athletes trading on their standing as star athletes for money or benefits is not acceptable, and we need to make sure that doesn’t happen.”   He also reiterated his position concerning the ongoing debate regarding consideration of paying athletes beyond their current stipends by asserting that NCAA student-athletes are not professionals, they are students.  In previous statements, Emmert had affirmed that NCAA student-athletes would never be paid because in return for their sports activities they receive access to first class educations, meals, room and board, equipment, clothing and other university services.  In the end, Emmert summarized his overall intent when he said, “Passing new rules alone doesn’t fix any of these problems. We need to work with our coaches, our ADs, our student leaders – all of those people who understand how these issues play out on the ground so that we don’t just change a rule but change behavior.”