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Florida Politics Op-Ed: Jimmy Patronis to the NCAA: Fire Charlie Baker

“Jimmy Patronis to the NCAA: Fire Charlie Baker”

By Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis

Florida Politics Op-Ed

November 16, 2023

Link HERE

For the good of all college athletes, it’s time for the NCAA to move on from Charlie Baker, find a new President, and reform their association to meet today’s challenges head-on.

Under Baker, the NCAA is out of touch and clinging to its last string of relevance in a rapidly changing national collegiate sports landscape. The time is now to find new leadership who will revamp the NCAA and usher in a new era of college athletics.

The NCAA has made several mind-numbing decisions recently that have made me lose all faith in their leadership team.

First, with the addition of name, image and likeness (NIL) and the growing multibillion-dollar business of college sports, the value of college athletics has exploded. Under Baker, the NCAA has fought implementing NIL tooth and nail until states like Florida stepped up and made it law so athletes could financially benefit from their God-given talents. It should not take legislative action to force the NCAA’s hand, and they are still fighting it to this day.

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The window of eligibility these athletes have to compete is fleeting, and they should be on the field fighting for yards, not fighting the NCAA. It’s unfair, it’s unjust, and according to antitrust laws, it may be criminal. Heck, if he wants to sue the NCAA for lost NIL revenue and pro draft stock, lawyers will be lining up to take his case, and more power to him!

Lastly, I unequivocally stand with Swimmer Riley Gaines in her battle to protect women’s sports, and the NCAA should have too. Men should compete against men, and women should compete against women. That seems like common sense and a simple decision, but the NCAA has bungled it at every step. Once again, the Florida Legislature had to step up for women, passing vital legislation in 2021 to protect women’s sports in our state.

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The NCAA needs to thank Charlie for his service, find new leadership, and usher in a new era of college sports by completely revamping their organization. I will continue to work with my legal team and outside attorneys to brainstorm ways to bring fairness and accountability back to the NCAA. 

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About CFO Jimmy Patronis

Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis is a statewide elected official and a member of Florida’s Cabinet who oversees the Department of Financial Services. CFO Patronis works each day to fight insurance fraud, support Florida’s firefighters, and ensure the state’s finances are stable to support economic growth in the state. Follow the activities of the Department on Facebook (FLDFS) and Twitter (@FLDFS).