P5 conferences pass cost of attendance measure

http://espn.go.com/college-sports/story/_/id/12185230/power-5-conferences-pass-cost-attendance-measure-ncaa-autonomy-begins" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;



The article is an interesting read but to summarize and for discussion-sake, here are the highlights:

- Full cost of attendance passed on a 79-1 vote from the panel comprised of 15 student-athletes -- a historic event in its own right -- and the 65 schools of the football-driven leagues. Boston College cast the lone dissenting vote, according to NCAA tabulations.

- Stipends, determined by institutions under federally created guidelines, have been estimated at $2,000 to $4,000 annually. They are designed to cover the cost-of-living expenses that fall outside athletic scholarships.

- The scholarships are GUARANTEED for 4 years so coaches can't pull a scholarship based on athletic performance. They may need to be a bit more discriminating in offering scholarships. I also wonder if it inhibits transfers at all since in theory even if a player doesn't work out, his scholarship is not necessarily immediately available.

- Other approved measures establish a concussion safety protocol and a discretionary student-athlete assistance fund, allow for student-athletes to borrow against potential future earnings to purchase loss-of-value insurance.



While the vote means P5 teams will now follow these rules, the G5, non-football conference, and independent schools can adopt these guidelines if they choose but it is not mandated.

We knew this was going to happen but the part I found interesting is the guaranteed 4 year scholarships. I think this will hurt the schools, because now they can basically "cut" players that aren't panning out. This means they are locked in for 4 years and will create, at least in the beginning, fewer scholarships available for the P5 schools.



I didn't read the article, but I wonder if they will grandfather in current players into this?

So how long before the first lawsuit from a player who has already graduated asking for their share?