State rep wants to fix ‘injustice’ in colleges

Broward native seeks to pass bill to allow athletes to make money through endorsements

A Republican state representative from Broward County is leading efforts to pass a bill that would let Florida college athletes hire agents and make money through endorsement deals.

Rep. Chip LaMarca, R-Lighthouse Point, filed legislation Friday that he says is in line with the GOP Legislature’s free-market philosophy. He’s optimistic it could pass when state lawmakers convene for their next session in January.

“It is an injustice any time that you are not allowing someone to be part of the free market,” LaMarca said. “This is an issue that’s time has come.”

If successful, star college athletes in Florida could cash in on their fame by signing deals to promote products or licensing their own name or photo for merchandise, further upending college athletics. California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a similar bill into law on Monday.

LaMarca’s bill (HB 287) is the second to be filed in Florida that would allow athletes to sign endorsement deals. House Democratic Leader Kionne McGhee introduced a similar bill (HB 251) on Monday, the same day California’s measure was signed into law.

LaMarca’s bill would prevent the National Collegiate Athletic Association and colleges from barring athletes from earning money off their name, image or likeness, and allow athletes to hire agents licensed by the state

Unlike California’s law, LaMarca’s proposal titled the “Student Athlete Achievement Act” would take effect on July 1, three years before California’s law. Also, only enrolled students — as opposed to recruits — could sign endorsement deals.

LaMarca drafted the legislation with input from Darren Heitner, a sports lawyer who represents agents and athletes.

The NCAA opposed California’s law and threatened to expel the state’s schools from its competitions.

“As more states consider their own specific legislation related to this topic, it is clear that a patchwork of different laws from different states will make unattainable the goal of providing a fair and level playing field for 1,100 campuses and nearly half a

million student-athletes nationwide,” said a statement the NCAA issued after Newsom signed California’s bill into law.

It’s unclear whether the Legislature’s leadership and Gov. Ron DeSantis would support changing the rules for college athletes. A bill has not been filed in the Senate, but LaMarca said some members are interested in sponsoring one.

Senate President Bill Galvano will keep an open mind, but he has “concerns with blurring the lines between collegiate and professional sports,” said Katie Betta, a Senate spokeswoman. A spokesman for House

Speaker José Oliva did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

DeSantis met with McGhee, the Democratic leader, on Wednesday in Miami to discuss the legislation.

Jackson Peel, a spokesman for the House Democratic Office, said the meeting was “productive,” but DeSantis has not made any commitments on the legislation. A DeSantis spokeswoman did not respond to a request for comment.

The new Republican governor has experience with college athletics. He played baseball for Yale University.

The idea of letting student athletes profit from endorse

ment deals has prompted heated debate in the sporting world.

Willie Taggart, head coach of the Florida State University football team, is a firm supporter, telling reporters he thinks it is an issue of fairness.

He said the money should be held in an account, though, until the athlete graduates.

Florida Gators football legend Tim Tebow is adamantly against the idea. He told ESPN’s “First Take” it would ruin what makes college sports special.

LaMarca