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Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski backs California’s Fair Pay To Play law

NCAA East Regional

WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 31: Head coach Mike Krzyzewski of the Duke Blue Devils addresses the media after the East Regional game of the 2019 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament against the Michigan State Spartans at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)

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Mike Krzyzewski, one of the most powerful voices and prominent coaches in all of college athletics, came out in support of California’s Fair Pay To Play law on Tuesday, in direct opposition of Mark Emmert and the NCAA.

SB 206 was signed into law by California Governor Gavin Newsom on September 30th and will allow college athletes in the state to be able to profit off of their name, image and likeness. Put another way, starting in 2023, it will be illegal to prevent college athletes from signing endorsement deals in the state of California. There have been nearly a dozen states that have taken similar steps since that law was passed.

“I don’t - and won’t - pretend to understand all the complexities of such a change,” Coach K said in a statement that was released to the press at ACC media day. “However, it is a sign of the times that we in college athletics must continually adapt, albeit in a sensible manner.

“While we have made significant progress in rcent years, we have not always responded to the needs and rights of our players swiftly, and frankly, we’re playing catchup after years of stagnany rules. I hope and trust that not only will there be a plan to put the student-athletes’ best interests at the forefront, but that we’ll also have a firm plan for implementation at the national level.

“College athletics provides an amazing option for hundreds of thousands of talented men and women who choose to attend institutions across the country. We must adapt to ensure it stays that way.”