Two senators propose bill to significantly change the process of NCAA infractions

The process of NCAA infractions might be getting completely overhauled soon. According to Sports Illustrated’s Ross Dellenger, two US senators are proposing a new bipartisan bill called the NCAA Accountability Act of 2021.

That bill, proposed by Tennessee senator Marsha Blackburn and New Jersey senator Cory Booker, would completely change the process of investigating and completing the NCAA infractions process.

“The 10-page bill, obtained by Sports Illustrated and scheduled for release later Tuesday, is an attempt to streamline, shorten and bring greater equity to an NCAA investigative arm that has drawn harsh criticism from virtually every corner of college athletics,” Dellenger said. “It has now caught the ire of high-ranking congressional leaders at a time when the college sports industry has faced its most extreme scrutiny.

Just in the last two years, lawmakers have held more than a half dozen hearings over what they deem to be injustices within the industry. In fact, four Democratic Congress members are set to hold a virtual summit Wednesday about what they call ‘gross inequities’ in college sports.”

The new bill would significantly speed up the NCAA infractions process

Per Dellenger, the overall idea of the bill would be to shorten the time it takes to complete investigations on NCAA infractions. Among the requirements in the bill, the NCAA has eight months to complete inquiries and investigations after informing the school that an investigation is underway. Additionally, the bill would prohibit the NCAA from investigating infractions that took place two years prior, cutting back from four years as currently constructed.

Dellenger notes that the bill would also not allow the NCAA to use confidential sources, and schools are able to use a panel to appeal punishments.

The NCAA Accountability Act of 2021 would also ensure that the NCAA submits an annual report to make sure that the bill is being followed.

“Violations will be dealt with severely,” said Dellenger. “The bill authorizes the Department of Justice to fine the NCAA as much as $15 million and to order the removal of any member of the NCAA’s highest governing body, its Board of Governors.”

Blackburn, one of the two senators leading the new bill, commented on the introduction of the NCAA Accountability Act of 2021 as part of Dellenger’s report. Ultimately, times have changed across college athletics with the introduction of NIL. And that is a big reason behind the introduction of this bill that would seriously change the way things currently work.

“The NCAA has a well-established history of back room deliberations that produce unfair punishments for athletes, coaches, and universities,” Blackburn said via Dellenger. “With the emergence of new name, image, and likeness rules, it is more important than ever to address the systematic failures that have eroded league fairness. The NCAA Accountability Act will establish much-needed due process and shine a light on unfair treatment from NCAA leadership.”