Former Heisman trophy-winning quarterback and current ESPN television personality Tim Tebow gave an impassioned plea on Friday morning against a bill championed by LeBron James that would allow college athletes to profit off of their likeness.
The California Fair Pay to Play Act, which LeBron supported prior to the bill passing in the California Assembly, would allow college athletes to make money off of endorsement deals without losing their eligibility. Tebow went on ESPN’s First Take to say that he believes such a decision would undermine what makes college football so popular.
Obviously, Tebow is in a much different position than most college athletes in that he continued to succeed well after his playing days were over. He’s a successful television personality and author, but not everyone has the following of a Tebow after they leave the field.
However, Tebow was undoubtedly a passionate competitor and it’s clear he believes in what he’s saying. No matter how he feels though, with the bill now on Governor Gavin Newsom’s desk in California, we are close to being able to see how letting college athletes endorse products changes the fabric of major college sports.
