Family Discussion: The Ruling on the Field
The following article is designed to help parents dialogue about a current event with their children. It was written at a 7th grade reading level.
READ
The Senate passed a big new rulebook for college sports on Monday.
Senators voted 77-22 for the Protect College Sports Act. Both parties joined forces to play defense on what Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) calls college sports’ “Wild West” era.
Until recently, college athletes couldn’t be paid. Then a string of court cases opened the bank so athletes can earn money from their name, image, and likeness (NIL) or be paid by their schools directly. NIL deals could be things like signing a sneaker deal or starring in a pizza commercial. Players were also allowed to switch schools through the “transfer portal” as often as they wanted. This all caused bidding wars and nonstop roster shuffling.
Cruz and Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-WA) teamed up on the bill. Here’s what it would do:
Protect the NCAA from lawsuits when it enforces rules on transfers or how many years athletes can play
Make athletes’ right to earn NIL money official U.S. law
Limit players to transferring just once without sitting out a season
More than double what some schools can pay players (but some funds depend on schools meeting academic goals)
Critics, including Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ), say the bill reverses power that athletes just won in court. They also point out it caps player pay but not coaches’ pay.
The bill now gets handed off to the House of Representatives, which is sidelined until after November’s elections. If they don’t pass it before the new Congress hits the field in January, the Senate will have to go back to the starting line.
REFLECT
What do I want to make sure my kids know in light of this story?
Regardless of your kids’ athletic talents (and how they may be compensated for them), believing parents can emphasize working hard and glorifying God in everything (Colossians 3:23)
Is your kid the next GOAT? Encourage them to work hard and glorify God. Does your kid barely make it off the bench? Encourage them to work hard and glorify God. Is your kid more of a mathlete? Encourage them to work hard and glorify God.
We can rest knowing our hard work and championship wins don’t merit God’s love. He already loves us through and through, and any talent or tenacity is His gift.
How can I model loving an enemy when discussing this story?
By being a team player, no matter who’s on your team. Whether it’s drafting bills in Congress, cheering alongside the other parents at a basketball game, or serving faithfully in kids’ ministry, when Christians set aside their differences and their pride to work toward a common goal, they’re displaying the unconditional love that Christ lavishes on His people.
Our calling is the same no matter our context: “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:2-3 NIV).
RESPOND
Take some time this week to celebrate the many gifts and abilities God has given you and your children. At dinner or before bed, make a list together of things you have a knack for, and thank God for them together, asking Him to help you glorify Him as you do them.
Memorize Colossians 3:23, “Whatever you do, do it from the heart, as something done for the Lord and not for people.” (CSB)
Pray for Congress as they make laws for college sports and all the American people: Dear God. You made us, and You love us so much! You showed us the best way to live so we can be happy and safe. Heaven is Your perfect home, where You rule with kindness, love, and light. Our world and our government are very different from Heaven, and our leaders need Your help. Please give smarts and wisdom to the people in charge of making rules for our country. Help them lead everyone—people of all different kinds—with peace, kindness, and love, instead of just trying to be famous or show off. Help them get along with each other so they can work together like a good team. When they disagree on things, help them stay gentle, respectful, and humble. Give them energy when they are tired after long days of work, and bless everything good they try to do. Amen.
Credit: Decaf (The Pour Over for Families). "Name, Image, and Likeness, Oh My!" October 1, 2026.