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Drinkwitz Calls State of College Sports ‘Clownshow’
Drinkwitz said eligibility lawsuits and delayed federal action have left teams without clear rules as the Protect College Sports Act awaits a Senate vote.
On Saturday, Missouri head coach Eli Drinkwitz criticized college football eligibility rules entering the 2026 season, calling the current system a "complete clown show" days before the Tigers' opener.
Legal battles and temporary restraining orders have allowed athletes to return to college despite conference bans on players who signed professional NFL contracts, creating mass confusion over eligibility.
Drinkwitz backed the Protect College Sports Act, sponsored by Sen. Ted Cruz, Sen. Maria Cantwell, and Sen. Eric Schmitt, arguing "if that bill had passed, this stuff is not happening right now."
Southeastern Conference penalties for coaches rostering former professionals face ongoing court challenges, leaving programs navigating conflicting rules while finalizing rosters ahead of kickoff.
Senate lawmakers plan to revisit the stalled legislation in September after it failed to reach a vote before the August recess, leaving college football leaders awaiting a national eligibility standard.