Missouri legislature introduces bill to prevent players from going on strike
It appears that at least one politician in Missouri is out to make sure that the Tigers players can’t go on strike again for a social issue without facing severe consequences.
Missouri state representative Rick Brattin has introduced a bill that would penalize football players from going on strike and make it possible to fine any coach who supports such players.
The bill, reportedly a direct response to the Missouri player strike earlier this year regarding social justice for African-American students — as well as Gary Pinkel’s support of the players — states:
1. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any college athlete who calls, incites, supports, or participates in any strike or concerted refusal to play a scheduled game shall have his or her scholarship revoked.
2. Any member of a coaching staff who encourages or enables a college athlete to engage in behavior prohibited under subsection 1 of this section shall be fined by his or her institution of employment.
Already there have been strong reactions to the bill from the Missouri media and Tigers players current and former.
The bill is proposed to go into law on Aug. 28, 2016, just in time for the Missouri football season.
It is, indeed, about players who strike. And it provides for any coach or staff member who supports said players to be fined.
— David Morrison (@DavidCMorrison) December 14, 2015
Word from MU on the Brattin bill: "Our standard response is that we do not comment on pending legislation."
— David Morrison (@DavidCMorrison) December 14, 2015
Former #Mizzou safety Ian Simon, a leader of the boycott, on the proposed bill to revoke athlete scholarships: pic.twitter.com/6FJeTkQRkH
— Aaron Reiss (@aaronjreiss) December 14, 2015
Here's what the MU athlete handbook says about reasons for revoking a scholarship: pic.twitter.com/PHcalPee1H
— David Morrison (@DavidCMorrison) December 14, 2015
So I don't really see the point of this bill. Like, at all.
— David Morrison (@DavidCMorrison) December 14, 2015
MU athletic scholarships are funded with private donations to TSF. Whether the scholarships are honored isn't the business of politicians.
— Joe Walljasper (@JoeWalljasper) December 14, 2015