Slive: College sports going through 'historic evolution' with court ruling, governance changes
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}FILE - From left are file photos showing Southeastern Conference commissioner Mike Slive in 2012, Big Ten Commissioner Jim Delany in 2014, Big 12 commissioner Bob Bowlsby in 2013, Pac-12 Commissioner Larry Scott in 2013 and Atlantic Coast Conference commissioner John Swofford in 2013. The NCAA board of directors will vote Thursday, Aug. 7, 2014, on a proposal that would give the five wealthiest college football conferences the ability to make rules and pass legislation without the approval of the rest of the Division I schools. (AP Photo/File) (The Associated Press)
Southeastern Conference Commissioner Mike Slive says college athletics are "going through a historic evolution."
Slive released a statement Monday after a judge's ruling that players in FBS football and Division I men's basketball are entitled to at least $5,000 a year for rights to their names, images and likenesses. He says the judge on Friday appropriately recognized "the importance of integrating academics and athletics in this decision."
The NCAA says it will appeal U.S. District Judge Claudia Wilken's ruling against the NCAA's argument that its model of amateurism is the only way to operate college sports.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Slive says "the ultimate consequences" won't be known until legal questions are resolved. He says the judge's decision and recent changes in NCAA governances represent "a historic evolution of the landscape of college sports."