Missouri Lawmakers Proposes No Strike Bill for MU Athlethes

AP) – A state representative is proposing a bill that would take scholarships away from Missouri student athletes if they refuse to play.

State Republican Rep. Rick Brattin pre-filed the legislation last week in response to a threatened strike in November by the Missouri football team. The bill would require colleges and universities to fine coaches for helping student athletes strike.

Missoouri Athletics Department spokesman Ryan Bradley and Brattin didn’t immediately return requests for comment Monday.

The football team threatened not to play unless the university system’s president resigned or was removed for his handling of racial discrimination complaints.

The threat came amid protests on the Columbia campus. After President Tim Wolfe resigned, the team played its remaining games.

The bill’s co-sponsor, Republican Rep. Kurt Bahr, says he hopes it fosters discussion.