Larry King Now Season 2 Episode 128 O'Bannon vs. NCAA: The Payment of College Athletes

O'Bannon vs. NCAA: The Payment of College Athletes is an episode from season 2 of Larry King Now. The episode features a discussion about the controversial topic of whether or not college athletes should be paid for their participation in sports. The conversation is centered around the landmark case of O'Bannon vs. NCAA, a case that made its way to the Supreme Court and challenged the NCAA's rules on amateurism and the use of player likenesses.

Larry King is joined by a panel of experts, including Michael McCann, a sports law expert, former NCAA athlete and current ESPN analyst Jay Bilas, and Ed O'Bannon himself, the former UCLA basketball star who filed the lawsuit that led to the case. The panel discusses the background of the case, its implications, and the arguments for and against paying college athletes.

The episode begins with a brief overview of the O'Bannon case and its significance. The lawsuit challenges the NCAA's rules on amateurism, which prohibit college athletes from being paid for their services, and the use of player likenesses, which the NCAA profits from through video game and merchandise sales. The case argues that college athletes are being exploited and that they should be compensated for their contributions.

The panel then dives deeper into the arguments for and against paying college athletes. McCann highlights the legal issues surrounding the case, including the antitrust implications of the NCAA's rules on amateurism. Bilas emphasizes the hypocrisy of the NCAA's stance on amateurism, pointing out that coaches and administrators are paid large salaries while athletes are told they cannot receive compensation. O'Bannon speaks to his own experiences as a college athlete and explains why he believes players should be paid for their participation.

Throughout the episode, the panel grapples with the complexities of the issue and the various stakeholders involved. They discuss the potential consequences of paying college athletes, such as creating an uneven playing field or leading to the demise of smaller sports programs. They also explore different models for compensating athletes, such as revenue sharing or stipends.

The episode concludes with a discussion of the future of the O'Bannon case and the larger issue of paying college athletes. The panelists weigh in on what they think the outcome of the case will be and whether or not paying college athletes is an inevitability. They also discuss the role of college sports in American culture and the importance of protecting the rights of student athletes.

Overall, O'Bannon vs. NCAA: The Payment of College Athletes is a thought-provoking and informative episode that delves into one of the most contentious issues in college sports today. Larry King and his panel of experts provide a nuanced and balanced perspective on the topic, offering valuable insights for anyone interested in the future of college athletics.