Senator Parker and Assemblywoman Solages's Statement on the NCAA Announcement to Allow Student Athletes to Profit from their Name and Likeness

State Senator Kevin Parker and Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages released the following statement after the National Collegiate Athletic Association announced that it would begin deliberations to permit college athletes to profit from their names, images and likeness:

“Today, we stand with student athletes, former student athletes, their families and legislators to applaud the NCAA for taking a first step in the right direction for our student athletes. Many athletes, some of whom would have never attended college except for their athletic prowess, come from traditionally marginalized Black and Brown communities where paying rent and finding a meal to feed your family is a day-to-day concern. The opportunity to afford basic life expenses outside of what scholarships and other athletic grants and stipends provide will be a game changer for many college athletes and their families. It is our hope that the NCAA will cut a fair deal that includes savings plans for students, as well as a fund for injured student-athletes as our bill in New York directs. We will continue to advocate for our legislation in New York until the NCAA agrees on a fair plan to compensate student athletes. 

"We want to thank California Governor Gavin Newsom for being a leader on the issue of “fair pay to play” as now our voices have been heard and the NCAA will make the necessary changes to ensure students are receiving a fair share of the income generated by their God given talents. We must continue to advocate for economic justice for our students, student athletes, and for anyone who has consistently been deprived.”

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About Senator Kevin Parker:

Senator Kevin Parker represents Brooklyn’s ethnically diverse 21st Senate District comprised of sections of Flatbush, East Flatbush, Midwood, Ditmas Park, Kensington, Windsor Terrace, and Park Slope. A lifelong Brooklyn resident, Senator Parker has the honor of serving his community as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Energy and Telecommunications, and on the Senate Standing Committees on Finance; Rules; Alcoholism & Substance Abuse; Insurance; and Banks.

For more information on Senator Parker, please visit www.nysenate.gov/senators/kevin-s-parker

About Michaelle C. Solages

Michaelle C. Solages is a member of the New York State Assembly, representing the 22nd Assembly District.  She serves as Chair of the Taskforce on Food, Farm & Nutrition Policy and First Vice Chair of the Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic & Asian Legislative Caucus.  She is a member of the following Standing Committees: Health, Libraries and Education Technology, Racing and Wagering and Social Services. She is also a member of the Legislative Women's Caucus.  Solages represents the communities of Elmont, North Valley Stream, Valley Stream, South Valley Stream, South Floral Park, Floral Park, the Village of Bellerose, Bellerose Terrace, North Woodmere, Stewart Manor, and sections of Franklin Square, Stewart Manor, and sections of Franklin Square.