When the NCAA took steps toward allowing the power conferences the opportunity to expand their powers, the American Athletic Conference was vocal about keeping pace with the ACC, Big 12, Big Ten, Pac-12 and SEC. With the proposed legislation set to be ready for review in December, the American has not backed down on its commitment to the full cost of attendance for student-athletes.
In a statement released Tuesday, the American says it will strongly support initiatives that contribute to the health, welfare and enhanced college experience for student-athletes. The conference states many of its members have been taking advantage of extra benefits now allowed by the NCAA such as degree completion, scholarship protection, medical support and more.
“Our Conference has been in the forefront of the initiatives designed to address the needs of our student-athletes,” AAC commissioner Mike Aresco said in the released statement. “I am proud of our schools, which have taken a leadership position in committing to fund athletic scholarships up to the full cost of attendance, and which have supported reforms in many areas which will contribute to student athlete health and well-being.”
Previously, the MAC issued a statement with a similar commitment for student-athletes. The Mountain West Conference has said it is prepared for such a commitment as well throughout its league. The American’s stance should be no surprise either. Dating back to its days as the Big East, the conference stance has always been to keep pace with the other power conferences.