Student-athlete urges Congress to pass the Protect College Sports Act for stability

Ruben Rojas Betanzos, a Syracuse student-athlete and president of the university’s Student Athlete Advisory Committee, writes that the debate over college sports has become dominated by NIL contracts, conference realignment and litigation, sidelining the core value of education and opportunity. He explains that without a national standard, differing court rulings create confusion for athletes competing across state lines.

The Protect College Sports Act, he says, offers the most realistic solution by clarifying rules around NIL, transfers and preserving non-revenue sports that many schools consider cutting when budgets tighten. While admitting the legislation is not flawless, Betanzos stresses that protecting the system protects the chance for thousands of athletes to earn a degree and develop life skills. He calls on Congress to pass the bill to ensure future generations retain the benefits he attributes to his own experience. Senator Ted Cruz is cited as supporting urgent congressional action on the issue.