V. Conclusion

Since Board of Regents the regulation of college sports has devolved into a “crisis” of the regulators’ own making. Now, using political and public relations tactics that should be unacceptable in higher education, the Power 5 and NCAA seek to permanently enshrine their regulatory authority—and all of its dysfunctions—into federal law.

If there was ever a time for athletes and stakeholders to press for transparency and accountability, it is now.

Stakeholders and decision-makers should be asking the hard questions that Sens. McConnell, McCaskill, Rockefeller, Dr. Branch, and Sec. Rice asked years ago.

This time, stakeholders—particularly athletes—should demand answers.

It’s time to put the brakes on any congressional activity until we can get an honest answer to the most basic question on the state and future of college sports: Who is really in charge?