Ex-Coach Works to Give Athletes a Bill of Rights

By Alicia Johnson
Black College Wire

Bob Timmons

When Bob Timmons retired from coaching track and field at the University of Kansas, he had one thought: Who will protect the welfare of student athletes? At a time when colleges and universities are making a great deal from star players, Timmons wondered who would speak up for the student athlete.

Timmons founded the National Student-Athlete Rights Movement last May. Its major goal is to establish guidelines and rules that will affect the welfare of all student athletes participating in NCAA activities.

"I think the NCAA does a wonderful job," said Timmons. "But there are ways to improve upon it for student athletes."

The "student-athletes bill of rights" is a set of 10 principles, similar to those in the Constitution, that aim to benefit student athletes everywhere. Among the principles: "Each student-athlete shall have the right to work and receive earnings up to a full grant plus a reasonable, but limited, amount above that grant for the semester or term."

The "bill of rights" also looks to protect athletic programs from being penalized when a violation is committed by an individual. Incoming freshmen would be protected from penalties. Student athletes would be free from discrimination and are protected from harm while participating in NCAA-sanctioned activities.

It might seem that Timmons' movement is looking to eventually replace the NCAA, but Timmons maintains the opposite is true.

"The NCAA is a very important organization and should not be ended," Timmons said. "I want all these changes to be done within the confines of the NCAA."

The reaction of many college and university officials has been less than satisfactory, in the view of Timmons' supporters.

"I sent out about 2,200 publications of the bill of rights to college presidents, the executive board of the NCAA, various colleges associations, and student-athletes committees," Timmons said. "And I haven't heard back from any of them." Timmons attributes many college presidents' silence to intimidation and a desire to stay on the good side of the NCAA. "College presidents are not going to go out on their own when that might cause the school to lose out in an NCAA tournament competition," Timmons said.

At schools in the District of Columbia, knowledge of Timmons' movement was limited.

"No I am not familiar with the organization," said Josh Cupp, head golf coach at American University. "But I agree with what [Timmons] is trying to do. The NCAA doesn't seem very responsive to student athlete needs."

As interest in college athletics increases, so do the financial benefits that result. It is in that arena where NCAA policies come under the most scrutiny, and where the National Student-Athlete Bill of Rights movement seeks change.

"Something must be done. Athletes are being taken advantage of," Cupp said.

"(The schools) are making a lot of money off athletes' jerseys and (the athletes) don't get any money."

Steve Jennings, head coach of field hockey at American University, disagrees.

"There are a lot of benefits in college," Jennings said. "Student athletes are taken all over the country, given a lot of gear, and obtain a free education. . . . I don't think they are being exploited."

Timmons says the primary mission and priority of the NCAA is to facilitate education, to ensure that all student athletes are given the opportunity to participate, and to serve and protect the welfare of student athletes. But by adopting the bill of rights, Timmons believes every student athlete will be provided with a basic set of individual rights.

"This movement will make a great impact if enough people bring their voices together," said Jennings. "I don't see it happening anytime soon, but I hope something will happen."

The complete Bill of Rights can be viewed at http://www.studentathletesrights.org/.

Alicia Johnson is a student at Howard University who writes for the District Chronicles. She can be reached at .