Alabama, Auburn release joint statement opposing Protect College Sports Act

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WSFA) - It is rare to have the University of Alabama and Auburn University agree, but in a joint statement Monday, both universities urged Washington lawmakers to reconsider the Protect College Sports Act.

The statement is the latest input from current and former members of Alabama’s sports world on the proposed piece of legislation.

“Congress does need to fix the mess, and the courts create a national framework so people within college sports can enforce fair rules,” said Nick Saban, former head football coach at the University of Alabama.

Coach Saban testified before the U.S. Senate Commerce Committee in June, sharing why he is in support of creating a national framework for college athletics.

“Without legal certainty, every rule becomes another lawsuit, another standard becomes another risk, and the system keeps drifting towards the professional model,” he said.

The Protect College Sports Act looks to set guidelines for Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) rights, enforce transfer rules and protect student athlete health and safety.

However, in the joint statement from Auburn and the University of Alabama, the two schools say the federal program could impact roster decisions, game scheduling, and overall, could micromanage college athletics.

U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Alabama), who coached Auburn University’s football team from 1999 to 2008, said in June that he understands what the bill’s sponsors are trying to do, but said the bill misses the mark.

“I’m afraid that legislation would do too much harm more than it would be good,” he said. “The federal government has no business getting involved in TV contracts, conference realignments, scheduling, salary caps, all of the above.”

Sen. Tuberville introduced the Student Athlete Act, which, in part, gives student athletes five consecutive years to play in five consecutive seasons and gives them a one-time transfer without penalty.

The Protect College Sports Act most recently passed out of a senate committee by a vote of 19-9.

The U.S. Senate is out of town until July 13.

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