Jim Sensenbrenner: “I rise in support of H.R. 361. This legislation, which is known as the SPARTA Act, is important for the sports industry…”

“I rise in support of H.R. 361. This legislation, which is known as the SPARTA Act, is important for the sports industry, which in recent years has become ever more just so that, an industry. The thrill of pure athletic accomplishment has been overwhelmed as a motivating incentive by the desire for economic gain. While understandable, we cannot allow this desire to lead to the abuse of individuals, the public and private universities and colleges, and the system itself. We as Americans love sports. Who does not enjoy sitting back on a relaxing weekend watching their favorite college and professional sports teams performing? In Wisconsin, every Sunday during the fall we watch the Green Bay Packers with the intensity and caring of a mother bear watching her cubs. We have dedicated a month to an American tradition called March Madness and watch some of the most athletically gifted students in the Nation compete in the drama which can have only one victor at the day's end. However, even with all this talent, only 1 percent of the NCAA athletes make it to the professional level, and then often only in a back-up role.”