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The burgeoning world of fantasy sports is about to cross a new line. CBSSports.com has announced plans to introduce a fantasy college football game for the upcoming season, a game that will use the names and statistics of current college players.
The NCAA, citing amateurism issues, has historically warned against such practices as a violation of the association's bylaws. Although such a notice has been sent by the association to CBS, a recent court case has been interpreted by some parties as allowing the use of college players, and the NCAA appears wary of pushing the issue with CBS ? at least at this time.
"We are in discussions with CBS to try to work (out) a solution that we would be comfortable with," NCAA spokesman Bob Williams said Wednesday.
Previous attempts at college fantasy games have used inexact terms such as "Florida QB" or "Ohio State RB," but now the names of Gators quarterback Tim Tebow and Buckeyes running back Chris Wells can be used.
The U.S. Supreme Court refused last month to hear a case brought by Major League Baseball against a fantasy sports corporation over the use of baseball players' names and statistics. The court's move in effect said that statistics and names already in the public domain are not owned by a league or athletic association.
"There's some debate as to whether the court decision applies to amateur athletes," Williams said. "The court didn't specifically say it did; some are interpreting it as it does. It remains to be seen."
The burgeoning world of fantasy sports is about to cross a new line. CBSSports.com has announced plans to introduce a fantasy college football game for the upcoming season, a game that will use the names and statistics of current college players.
The NCAA, citing amateurism issues, has historically warned against such practices as a violation of the association's bylaws. Although such a notice has been sent by the association to CBS, a recent court case has been interpreted by some parties as allowing the use of college players, and the NCAA appears wary of pushing the issue with CBS ? at least at this time.
"We are in discussions with CBS to try to work (out) a solution that we would be comfortable with," NCAA spokesman Bob Williams said Wednesday.
Previous attempts at college fantasy games have used inexact terms such as "Florida QB" or "Ohio State RB," but now the names of Gators quarterback Tim Tebow and Buckeyes running back Chris Wells can be used.
The U.S. Supreme Court refused last month to hear a case brought by Major League Baseball against a fantasy sports corporation over the use of baseball players' names and statistics. The court's move in effect said that statistics and names already in the public domain are not owned by a league or athletic association.
"There's some debate as to whether the court decision applies to amateur athletes," Williams said. "The court didn't specifically say it did; some are interpreting it as it does. It remains to be seen."
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