InvestigateTV+ Weekend: Examining unchecked powers of state athletic associations
(InvestigateTV) — This Week on InvestigateTV+ Weekend: High school athletic associations call the shots, set the rules and decide who plays. Chris Nakamoto investigates this unchecked power and the impact of these game-changing decisions. Plus, where your high schooler lives can decide if their name, image and likeness are worth thousands or nothing at all.
WHERE TO WATCH ICYMI – Watch last week’s episode.
The Final Play: Across America, high school athletic associations are the gatekeepers of playing rules for the thousands of teen athletes who play high school sports. These associations can control a student’s destiny when it comes to their high school athletic experience. Our national investigative team found many of them operate with very little oversight and serve as judge, jury and investigators. As a result, some states have clawed back some of their power through legislative oversight, but most states have not. In this investigation, we looked at transfer rules across America and took an in-depth look at due process rules afforded to schools when decisions are made against them by these associations. We interviewed lawyers currently suing a state high school association due to a lack of due process as they now push for change. You’ll also hear the Executive Director of the National Federation of High School Associations who explained how the rules are written and a high school coach who is against unbridled transfers so kids can’t go school shopping for the best teams.
High School Hustle: Across America, a growing number of states are allowing high school athletes to receive payments from companies for their name, image and likeness - or NIL. Those athletes must use or be seen with their products in exchange for payouts that can easily top five figures. Our national investigative team found that while many states are beginning to allow NIL for high school student athletes, some states strictly prohibit it. That forces families to make tough decisions when it comes to staying in their home state where it isn’t allowed or moving for better opportunities. In this investigation, we talked to an athlete who received the first NIL deal in his state as a high school student and the family of another athlete who had to move because NIL was not allowed at the time in the state where they lived. The Executive Director of the National Federation of High School Associations also weighed in and explained that this can be tricky because teen athletes are amateurs and don’t own the rights to their high school jerseys.
Sent Home from School: Students with disabilities face higher discipline rates nationwide, according to the latest U.S. Department of Education data.
Case in point, in Tennessee, one in four students sent home for behavior issues has a disability. Families there say the issue isn’t teachers but a lack of resources. Reporter Courtney Allen speaks with parents who demand state action.
Watching Your Wallet – Family Banking: According to a new survey from Bank of America, less than half of college students say they feel financially prepared for the real world. In this Watching Your Wallet, Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa takes a closer look at a new tool from the bank that may help families better prepare their children.
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