“The NCAA has an unacceptable history of backroom deliberations that unfairly punish athletes, coaches, and universities, and we must ensure student athletes who work their entire lives to compete at the college level are not bogged down by inconsistent investigations conducted by an organization that continues to move the goal post.” said Senator Blackburn. “The NCAA Accountability Act would make the NCAA more accountable by ensuring the organization’s expectations for rule violations are consistent and fair. As the nation’s sports fans tune into the Big Dance, Congress should pass this legislation to protect our athletes and universities.” 

“College athletes, coaches, and universities deserve clear, consistent procedures during investigations of potential rule violations,” said Senator Booker. “This legislation is an important step toward ensuring fairness, transparency, and due process—and will help to strengthen trust in college athletics.”

NCAA ACCOUNTABILITY ACT

The NCAA Accountability Act would:

• Establish Due Process:

• Require the NCAA to provide its member universities with fair notice regarding enforcement proceedings, including information about the status of the investigation, alleged violations being investigated, the involved individuals and programs, the potential penalties of each allegation, and the rights and resources available to the accused.
• Require the NCAA complete any investigation no later than one year after it begins.
• Prohibit the NCAA from publicly disclosing information relating to an ongoing investigation until formal charges are filed in the notice of allegations. 

• Promote Fairness, Consistency, and Accountability: 

• Provide member universities the right to resolve disputes with the NCAA through a three-person arbitration panel that would provide an independent, unbiased review and legally binding decision.
• Require the NCAA to conduct its enforcement proceedings and investigations in a fair and consistent manner. The penalties issued against member institutions for bylaw infractions shall be equitable with respect to severity of the infraction. 

• Enable Enforcement:

• Direct the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to establish supervisory and investigatory procedures to determine the NCAA’s compliance with this bill. 
• Authorize the DOJ to fine the NCAA or individuals on staff for violating the provisions of this bill and order the removal of any member on the NCAA’s board of governors.

• Evaluate Legal Standing:

• This legislation would apply to any interstate athletic association, conference, or other organization with authority over intercollegiate athletics or that administers intercollegiate athletics with at least 900 member institutions.

Click here for bill text.

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