NW New Mexico News

Under a new bill, student-athletes at New Mexico’s college and universities could get paid.

State Sen. Mark Moores (R) is proposing that student-athletes could earn money indirectly from their participation in college athletics. Students could receive money through endorsements. For instance, appearing in ads that promote a new athletic shoe, equipment or other consumer products.

Known as the Student-Athlete Endorsement Act, or Senate Bill 191, it would prohibit the “limitations against student-athletes and certain other individuals earning compensations from the use of their name, image, or likeness.” Also, it would allow student-athletes to be represented by an agent.

The bill was introduced to the New Mexico State Senate during the 2020 legislative session.

“For years, student-athletes haven’t been able to bear the fruit of their labor," Moores told the Associated Press. 

That’s because, according to NCAA rules, student-athletes are not allowed to earn money due to their participation in athletics.

Student-athletes often do receive scholarships for attending school and playing a sport. However, Moores notes that student-athletes are currently restricted on what kind of income they can receive outside of their scholarship.

He also said that the bill is about providing student-athletes opportunities, providing them with an income source so they can stay in school, represent their university, represent their state and still make a living.

Other states are considering similar legislation. In 2019, California passed a law that would protect student-athletes from being penalized for participating in endorsement contracts. Those penalties often mean not only being kicked off the school team but the loss of their scholarships as well.

Moores has a personal connection to the issue. He played football for the University of New Mexico as a lineman in the late 1980s and early 1990s. He currently represents the 21st District in the New Mexico State Senate.