“Shane Beamer Heads to Capitol Hill, Urges Congress to Act on NIL Reform”
South Carolina head football coach Shane Beamer is set to appear before Congress on Tuesday as a key witness in a discussion on Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) policies. He will testify before the House Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade, advocating for a national NIL standard to bring consistency and fairness to college athletics.
Ahead of his appearance, Beamer’s written testimony was submitted to the Subcommittee. GamecockCentral.com transcribed his full statement, highlighting his deep personal connection to college sports and the urgent need for federal intervention.
Beamer’s Plea: College Sports at a Crossroads
Shane Beamer, the son of legendary Virginia Tech coach Frank Beamer, shared how his experiences as both a student-athlete and coach have shaped his perspective.
“We are at a critical crossroads in college athletics, and quite simply, we need your help. The system is long overdue for change; the current situation is unsustainable.”
Beamer emphasized the importance of a bi-partisan federal law, ensuring all student-athletes benefit from NIL while maintaining a level playing field across schools and states.
“A national law will provide equal opportunity for all student-athletes to benefit from NIL and create a uniform standard to ensure we’re all playing by the same rules.”
Protecting the College Experience
Beamer highlighted the importance of education, noting that less than 2% of college athletes turn professional. He believes a federal law will help maintain an education-based model while allowing student-athletes to earn degrees and prepare for life beyond sports.
Additionally, he stressed the critical benefits that student-athletes already receive, including:
✅ Free tuition, room & board
✅ Educational grants & academic support
✅ Medical & mental health care
✅ Nutrition & life skills training
✅ Elite coaching & extended medical coverage
A Warning: College Sports Are at Risk
Without Congressional action, Beamer warned that college athletics could collapse under endless lawsuits and conflicting state laws. He strongly opposed the idea of student-athletes being designated as employees, arguing that such a system would cripple smaller programs and eliminate sports.
“If you do not act, college sports will be destroyed by never-ending litigation and conflicting state laws.”
He also pointed out that a federal law would protect Olympic sports, ensuring future Olympians continue to develop through the college system.
A Call to Action: The Future is Now
In closing, Beamer urged Congress to take immediate action, warning that the stakes have never been higher.
“College sports are at an impasse, and we need your help. The future of our nation’s student-athletes will be decided in the near future.”
With NIL policies shaping the landscape of college athletics, Beamer’s message is clear: Federal legislation is the only way forward.
