TBA Law Blog


Posted by: Kate Prince on May 26, 2020

Two bills that would have paved the way for student-athletes to be compensated for use of their names, images and likenesses failed to pass the General Assembly yesterday, the Daily Memphian reports. Legislation from Rep. Joe Towns, D-Memphis, that would have prevented universities from being penalized if student-athletes received gifts or benefits from boosters, failed on a voice vote after an hour-long debate. A similar bill from Rep. Antonio Parkinson, D-Memphis, which would have allowed those athletes to be paid for their names, images and likenesses, failed after a 4-4 vote. One opponent of the legislation, Rep. Kevin Vaughan, R-Collierville, said he supports pay for student-athletes, but worries state universities could be punished for paying their athletes since the NCAA has not put new rules into effect. Neither bill is scheduled to be considered by the Senate.