Bill Would Hold Coaches Who Violate Rules Financially Responsible

An Oregon bill scheduled for public hearing Wednesday would allow state universities to sue coaches who “intentionally or recklessly” commit major violations of National Collegiate Athletic Association rules. Coaches would be held responsible for actual damages and legal fees incurred by a university in the wake of the violations and subsequent NCAA investigation. The bill is being introduced in the state House of Representatives as the University of Oregon prepares for the findings of an NCAA investigation into recruiting violations that is expected to levy heavy penalties. Oregon's former football coach, Chip Kelly, left the program after last season, when the NCAA was well into its investigation but at least a few months from closing it. However, the bill would not allow for retroactive application.