Duke's Krzyzewski backs California's 'Fair Pay to Play' law

"We need to modernize it and take a look at every angle that benefits our student-athletes", Swofford said.

Beyond the grandstanding and posturing that accompanied last week's actions are deeper implications that threaten the entirety of college sports as we know it.

"I think that this will show equity and show fairness that would absolutely benefit CT and our student-athletes", said Sen.

The bipartisan bill passed unanimously through California legislature.

The five-time national championship-winning coach said he expects "dozens" of states to pass the same bill before the end of the season. Regarding this law, the NCAA has threatened to terminate the memberships of California colleges on account of following state law and could wage legal battles against this new law. "But I am on the side that thinks student-athletes should be able to capitalize on their name, image and likeness".

The schools with the most lucrative sports programs would be able to easily lure the biggest name recruits to play for them, exclusively based off of the prospect of being able to pay the athlete more than any other school. Is that going to be positive for all Division I schools?

UConn's Geno Auriemma and Randy Edsall have been supporters of paying college athletes in the past.

"I just hope that whatever happens isn't ramrodded down the NCAA's throat", he said. It's a great panic thing right now. Kevin Parker proposed a bill that would allow college athletes to sell the right to their names, images, and likenesses to advertisers. Starting from the top, Coach K spoke out in favor of the Fair Pay to Play Act.

Quinnipiac University Associate Professor and Co-Director of Sports Studies Richard Hanley believes much of the concern in paying athletes is from false information. College athletes would no longer be competing for the love of the sport, but rather chasing a paycheck.

One glaring issue with requiring school athletic departments to compensate athletes is the question of how will each individual sports program raise the money to pay its athletes?

The NCAA said it would consider "next steps in California" while the organization's members "move forward with ongoing efforts to make adjustments to NCAA name, image and likeness rules that are both realistic in modern society and tied to higher education".

"I do think there's an opportunity for athletes of those minor sports to at least attract a local endorsement", said Hanley.

The pay-for-play discussion has gained momentum since California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a law that goes into effect in 2023.