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Eastern Kentucky University’s contract to provide massage therapy for track athletes draws pushback over taxpayer support and NIL
Summary
Lawmakers debated an EKU contract to contract massage therapy services for the university’s award‑winning track and field team; critics argued the public should not fund services for athletes who receive NIL compensation, while supporters said the contract saves money compared with hiring a full‑time staffer. The committee approved the contract after a roll‑call vote.
EKU representatives told the committee a contract would fund massage‑therapy services for about 50 track and field student‑athletes and is cheaper than hiring a full‑time staff member with specialized skills.
Dana Foll, EKU general counsel, said the university retains athletic trainers on staff and the massage contract covers a specialized service that would not require a full‑time hire. The university described the contract as a cost‑saving measure rather than a perk for highly compensated athletes.
Representative Bauman moved to disapprove the contract on the grounds that some student athletes receive compensation under name, image and likeness (NIL) arrangements and taxpayer funds should not be used for services for those athletes. Supporters of the contract, including Representative O’Rourke and Representative Hart, said the contract was nominal in size (under $20,000), saved the university money relative to hiring a full‑time specialist, and provided services for athlete health and safety.
After debate and explanations from EKU officials about the scope of services and procurement, the committee voted on a motion to approve the contract; the roll‑call resulted in approval and the contract moved forward.
Lawmakers said the exchange flagged a broader policy discussion about how universities use public funds and how NIL affects athletics budgeting; several members suggested the Legislature may examine those issues in the future.
