News & Insights

Clint Speegle Interviewed About California Law Allowing Student-Athlete Endorsements

October 6, 2019

Lightfoot, Franklin & White LLC attorney Clint Speegle was a guest on the Southern California Public Radio show “AirTalk®” in a segment discussing a new California law allowing student-athletes to accept paid endorsements for sneakers, sports drinks and other products. The first for the country, California’s law goes directly against NCAA regulations that prohibit student-athletes from receiving compensation. 

During the interview, Speegle noted that the law may create a situation where “the rich get richer and the poor get poorer,” and exacerbate the difference between schools with large booster groups that could compensate student-athletes and those that do not. He also said it may hurt some schools on the recruiting side, with athletes having to make tough choices, particularly if the NCAA bars California schools from championship events. 

“If I’m a recruit, I’m thinking, will I really want to go to a California school and not be able to play in a championship event?” said Speegle.

Speegle is a member of Lightfoot’s NCAA Compliance & Investigations practice group, a go-to team for colleges and universities seeking counsel and representation in matters involving NCAA compliance, campus investigations and related legal issues. The firm’s clients come from all corners of the NCAA membership, including members of the American Athletic, Atlantic Coast, C-USA, Big Ten, Big 12, Mountain West, Pac-12 and Southeastern conferences.