Joint Statement from Big Ten, SEC Presidents & Chancellors

Joint statement from Darryll J. Pines, President of the University of Maryland and Chair of the Big Ten Conference Council of Presidents and Chancellors (COP/C), and Pamela Whitten, President of Indiana University and Vice Chair of the COP/C, and Dondi Plowman, Chancellor of the University of Tennessee and Chair of the SEC Presidents and Chancellors (SEC P/C), and Mun Choi, Chancellor of the University of Missouri and Vice Chair of the SEC P/C:

"Senator Cantwell’s characterization of the Big Ten and SEC engagement regarding the Protect College Sports Act does not accurately reflect the process that has occurred. From the time the legislation was introduced, our member universities have been engaged, vocal, and collaborative in evaluating the bill and identifying ways to improve it.

During the single 30-minute call provided to Big Ten and SEC chancellors and presidents, Senators Cruz and Cantwell spoke for much of the discussion, leaving limited time for institutional feedback. Nevertheless, both groups of university leaders identified positive elements of the legislation and were encouraged to provide recommended changes and priority issues. Those recommendations and priorities were submitted shortly thereafter.

Unfortunately, the Big Ten and SEC did not have the opportunity for meaningful engagement with Senate staff regarding those recommendations before the revised bill was released. As a result, many of the concerns and priorities identified by our universities were not adequately reflected in the revised legislation.

At the same time, Big Ten and SEC staffs worked extensively with members of the Senate Commerce Committee and their staffs in an effort to improve the legislation for student-athletes and institutions across college athletics. We were encouraged that a number of senators offered thoughtful and constructive amendments during the Committee process.

The Big Ten and SEC remain committed to preserving and expanding the life-changing opportunities college athletics provides to more than 20,000 student-athletes.

We will continue working with senators from both parties to develop legislation that protects student-athletes, establishes workable national standards, and provides meaningful long-term stability for college athletics. We remain confident that, through continued engagement, Congress and college sports leaders can make the adjustments necessary to produce legislation that effectively serves student-athletes and the future of intercollegiate athletics."