Fair Play Enforcement Act: Colleges Could Face Millions in Fines Under New Bill

Prompted by recent eligibility controversies at LSU, bipartisan federal legislation would levy massive tax penalties on colleges that field former professional athletes or student-athletes with gambling violations. U.S. Representatives Adrian Smith (R-Neb.) and Brendan Boyle (D-Pa.) introduced the Fair Play Enforcement Act earlier this month. The lawmakers say the bill would hold colleges and universities accountable for fielding athletes who violate established standards of fair competition. “College sports depend on honesty and fair play. Schools should not be fielding players who have bet on games or who have been on professional sports teams.