(Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)SACRAMENTO, Calif. - Defying the NCAA, California opened the way Monday for college athletes to hire agents and make money from endorsement deals with sneaker companies, soft drink makers, car dealerships and other sponsors, just like the pros.
Critics have long complained that universities are getting rich off the backs of athletes - often, black athletes struggling to get by financially.
"I'm tired of seeing people get ripped off, and I'm tired of seeing these college athletes being ripped off."
If that were to happen, California schools could form a new governing body and get schools from like-minded states to join, in a threat to the NCAA's dominance.
The NCAA does let some athletes accept money in some instances.