A Continuing Disgrace: Intercollegiate Athletics Race Issues
The Drake Group believes that the commercialization of intercollegiate athletic programs has not only challenged the academic integrity of higher education but resulted in a predominantly White community of higher education administrators, athletic department administrators, coaches, and staff turning a blind eye to the racism underlying the economic, education and other forms of exploitation harming […]
The U.S. House NIL Bill, Student Athlete Level Playing Field Act, Is Improved but Still Needs Further Specification
The Drake Group commends lead sponsors Representatives Anthony Gonzalez (R-OH) and Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO), for the reintroduction of their bipartisan bill, the Student Athlete Level Playing Field Act, in the 117th Congress that prohibits the NCAA and other national or conference governance organizations or their member institutions from declaring college athletes ineligible for participation because […]
The Drake Group Calls for Science-Based and Inclusive Women’s Sports Policies for Transgender Girls and Women – Applauds the Stances of the NCAA and WSPWG
New Haven, CONN: The Drake Group strongly opposes the rash of state legislative efforts to fullyexclude transgender girls and women from school and college women’s sports programs. The Group also opposes the unconditional inclusion of transgender girls and women who do not choose to mitigate their post- pubescent male sex-linked advantages. Amid the current political […]
The NCAA Is Playing The Ball In The Wrong Court
The Drake Group President-Elect Andrew Zimbalist and Drake Board of Directors member Julie Sommer wield a mighty pen with a timely critique of the NCAA’s efforts in the courts to protect its profits – revenues derived from the labor of talented, hard-working—and disproportionately Black—college athletes, especially those playing in the women’s and men’s Final Four […]
Eyes of Texas is a “Yes, Coach” Moment
The Drake Group urges reflection on the example of The University of Texas refusing the request of Black football players not to play “The Eyes of Texas” at the end of each football game, because of its offensive and degrading history and impact on these and other students. READ FULL PRESS RELEASE
Moran Legislation is Another NCAA Reform Proposal that Deserves a Closer Look
The Moran Bill permits intercollegiate athletes to monetize their names, images, and likenesses (NILs), and at its core is similar to recent proposals put forth by Senators Chris Murphy (D-CT) and Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CN). The bill also mirrors many of The Drake Group’s proposals, including broad NIL rights for college athletes […]
Failure to Act in the Interest of Athletes—The Drake Group Comments on the NCAA’s Decision to Delay Transfer and Name, Image, and Likeness Policy Updates
NEW HAVEN, Conn. – On January 8, 2021, the NCAA was scheduled to vote on two important and long-overdue policy amendments: loosening of NIL restrictions and transfer policies that require certain athletes to sit out a season after transferring schools. However, instead of voting on these proposals, the NCAA delayed amending them, citing a letter […]
The “College Athlete Freedom Act” is a Step Forward
NEW HAVEN, Conn. – The Drake Group shares observations on the “College Athlete Economic Freedom Act” proposed by Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT) on February 5, 2021. This bill was also introduced by Congresswoman Lori Trahan (D-MA) in the House. The “College Athlete Economic Freedom Act” pertains directly to NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) rights for […]
Drake Calls on the NCAA to Clean Up Its Bullying Trash
NEW HAVEN, Conn. – The Drake Group, a national organization of college faculty and others, whose mission is to defend educational integrity in college sports, warns that unless immediate action is taken, the continued abuse of athletes will stain the college sports industry, bring endless legal action, and most importantly, damage the future well-being of […]
The Drake Group Praises Proposed College Athletes Bill of Rights: But Notes Significant Flaw in Massive Sorely Needed Reform Bill
The Drake Group applauds the legislative effort of U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), and Brian Schatz (D-HI) who introduced the College Athletes Bill of Rights on December 17, 2020. The bill is comprehensive and far-reaching, providing college athletes with long-overdue protections that should have been the responsibility of the […]