Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is urging universities across major conferences to reject a controversial agreement with the College Sports Commission. Paxton says the terms would undermine institutional autonomy and create unprecedented legal liability for participating schools.
Paxton sent letters to Texas universities in the Atlantic Coast Conference, Big 12, and Southeastern Conference – including Baylor University and Texas A&M University – warning them against signing the College Sports Commission's University Participation Agreement.
“To protect the integrity of collegiate athletics, this power grab by the CSC must be stopped,” said Attorney General Paxton.
He simultaneously reached out to state attorneys general nationwide, asking them to contact universities in their states that are members of those conferences or the Big Ten to voice similar opposition.
The attorney general outlined what he believes are problematic provisions in the CSC agreement:
- Arbitrary sanctioning power: The CSC would gain authority to fine and sanction participating schools at its discretion with minimal appeal process
- Future policy compliance: Schools would be forced to agree to any policies the CSC adopts going forward
- Legal immunity provisions: The agreement attempts to insulate the CSC from legal challenges through punitive measures against universities
- Constitutional issues: The document raises serious Texas constitutional concerns that could prevent colleges from legally signing it
