Local Representative Takes on NCAA

A local lawmaker wants the NCAA to stop focusing on the battle over Chief Illiniwek, or risk penalties here in Illinois. Representative Chapin Rose of Mahomet wants to take away the NCAAs tax exemption status because he feels they are not doing enough for education and instead are focusing on legal battles, such as the ongoing debate over the Chief. The NCAA receives federal tax exempt status because of its promotion of education. Officials with the organization insist education is a top priority for them. Bob Williams, a spokesman for the NCAA, says, "if the assertion is education is not a priority, that is wrong. Our students are graduating at a higher rate than those in the general student body." Rep. Rose says with the money the NCAA pulls in annually, taxing it could bring in a significant amount of money for Illinois. His proposal spells out a use for that money. All of the money brought in from taxing the organization would be distributed to colleges and universities across the state. Rose says that way he knows the money would be going to education. Two years ago the State House Of Representatives sent a resolution to the NCAA asking them to back off of their intervention into state policy, namely the ongoing discussion over Chief Illiniwek, but they never heard back. Rose says he hopes to get their attention with this proposal.