SPRINGFIELD — For the past several months, it seems like college football has been played more in a courtroom than on a gridiron.
Everyone wants stability in the sport, especially coaches, including Missouri State’s Casey Woods. The first-year coach of the Bears spoke at length during his weekly availability on Monday, Sept. 7.
“It’s a complete mess,” Woods said. “What I want to see happen is for them to pass the Protect College Sports Act. That’s the No. 1 thing that’s got to happen.”
The U.S. Senate did not vote on the Protect College Sports Act in August before its recess. The Senate is set to return on Monday, Sept. 14, when many are hoping the act progresses.
Among the many amendments, the biggest implication for Missouri State in the Protect College Sports Act is the transfer restrictions.
The act would only allow athletes to transfer one free time without having to sit out one season. Graduate players would be able to transfer for free, too. In the event of a head coach change, all players will be able to transfer.
Another big change would involve players’ agents. The bill would cap agent fees at 5% for athletes making money under Name, Image and Likeness.
“Our legislature can step up and do that,” Woods said. “I think we are at the point where we can listen to the coaches that are invested in the good of the game. I want to see us get a set of rules. Right now, we have no set of rules.”
Eric Schmitt (R-MO), Ted Cruz (R-TX), and Maria Cantwell (D-WA) have been the three main sponsors pushing this bill across the line.
60 votes are needed from the Senate to advance the bill to a final vote. After passing the Senate, the bill must go through the House of Representatives, where amendments may be added. If amendments are added, the bill will go back to the Senate.
“I think they need to continue to include people that have stake in this game. Which is the athletic director, the presidents to a degree and the head football coaches,” Woods said.
During LSU’s media availability this week, head coach Lane Kiffin spoke about the difficulties coaching a Group of Six team. The Protect College Sports Act would help smaller-school head coaches by addressing transfer rules.
“Coordinators at top conference places, they don’t jump down as head coaches anymore because it’s really challenging,” Kiffin said. “Your players get taken.”
Liam Keating covers high school sports and Missouri State athletics for The Springfield News-Leader. Send stats or information to him at Lkeating@usatodayco.com
This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: 'It is a complete mess': Missouri State coach pushes for Protect College Sports Act approval
