NCAA Press Conference Regarding Proposed Ban on Legal College Sports Wagering

“We all know the NCAA, which holds great sway over college sports programs, can bring active coaches to Washington to parrot their line. But the facts remain the same: no matter how many stunts they pull, this legislation is seriously flawed.

• A federal ban on legal and regulated college sports wagering in Nevada would do nothing to eliminate the widespread illegal gambling occurring on college campuses and elsewhere in this country.
• The NCAA is gambling with kids’ futures by not supporting serious, comprehensive legislation that addresses real campus gambling problems.
• The federal government should not be interfering in matters that for more than 200 years have been decided by the states.

“I have no doubt these coaches are seriously concerned about illegal gambling and the pressures on their students, but not one of them can honestly say that this legislation will have any significant impact on bets being placed on their campuses or prevent one unscrupulous person from approaching their athletes.”