Lanni pushes for proposal of NCAA oversight bill

Wednesday, March 21, 2001 | 11:13 a.m.

WASHINGTON -- The Nevada congressional delegation may consider legislation that creates oversight over the NCAA, such as by the Department of Education or another federal body.

That idea has long been supported by MGM MIRAGE Chairman Terry Lanni.

Lanni said today that after Congress deals with the betting ban bill, he will ask his numerous "friends" in the House and Senate to sponsor an NCAA oversight bill.

The NCAA is "dictatorial" in its regulation of colleges and universities, Lanni said.

Lanni has not yet worked out the specifics of an ideal plan to increase NCAA oversight, he said.

Several staffers for Nevada lawmakers said they were open to the idea of advocating such legislation.

Lanni said the NCAA has disseminated "inaccuracies" about the gaming industry and its effect on students.

"This is a feel good resolution," Lanni said of the betting ban bill. "They (the NCAA) don't want the facts exposed."

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