Calipari wants UK to explore California’s law

LEXINGTON, Ky. — Kentucky coach John Calipari broke his public silence on the California law permitting college players to profit off their names, images and likenesses in commercial endorsements.

Speaking on Wednesday morning’s Kentucky Sports Radio show, Calipari said, “These kids, their name and likeness is theirs. They own it.”

But when host Matt Jones asked if Calipari fully supported the idea of college players working as commercial pitchmen and pitchwomen, the UK coach cited complications that made a direct answer difficult.

What about a possible conflict with a shoe contract that has a deal with a school’s athletic department? he asked. And would, say, a swimmer receive the same compensation as a football player?

A law signed by California Gov. Gavin Newsom this fall put the Name Image Likeness issue at college athletics’ center stage. The law, which does not go into effect until 2023, permits athletes at California colleges to profit off commercial endorsements and to hire agents to set up deals. The law does not permit athletes to endorse products that are in competition with a school’s deal.

State Sen. Mark Moores of Albuquerque, a former University of New Mexico football player, said he plans to introduce similar legislation next year in Santa Fe.

Calipari’s comments came a day after Duke Coach Mike Krzyzewski addressed the same issue, saying he was “really happy” about California’s decision.

“We need to stay current with what’s happening,” Krzyzewski said in a story posted by CBS Sports. “I’m glad it was passed because it pushes the envelope.”

After noting that other states have expressed interest in following California’s example, Calipari said, “I’m ready to go to our state House. Let us come out with one (law).”

Calipari then considered how impractical it would be if each of the 50 states enacted its own version of a law on Name Image and Likeness.

The Journal contributed to this report.