• Loading stock data...
Wednesday, October 8, 2025

Caught in Crossfire of an Amateurism Trial: Realignment, Social Media Policies, and Athlete Handbooks

  • USC deputy AD evaded line of questioning about whether realignment, increased travel would negatively impact athletes.
  • Denise Kwok testified that the department does not have an in-use student-athlete handbook or social media policy.
USC
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

LOS ANGELES – On Monday, at a labor trial over college athlete employment, USC deputy AD (and former interim AD) Denise Kwok made several eyebrow-raising statements.

Kwok, charged with overseeing athlete academics and well-being, did not clearly answer whether athletes would be impacted by increased travel due to conference realignment. She also testified that her athletic department does not currently have an athlete handbook or social media policy, despite their ubiquity in college sports. 

The case, surrounding the matter of whether USC football and basketball players should be considered employees of the school, the Pac-12, and the NCAA, could ultimately kill the NCAA’s amateurism model. Lawyers for the National Labor Relations Board took up the case on behalf of the National College Players Association.

Much of Monday’s questioning centered on whether USC exercises enough control over athletes for them to be considered employees—a key component in defining an employer-employee relationship. Kwok was called as an adverse witness to the NLRB.

At one point, NLRB lawyers brought up conference realignment—with some away games, for instance, all the way across the U.S.—as an example of the major effect USC’s decisions might have on athletes’ lives. Kwok evaded a question about whether the increased travel resulting from USC’s move to the Big Ten would have a negative impact on athletes. Instead, she asked how “negative” could be defined and said that her school is working on “mitigating” any extra travel issues. USC’s lawyers attempted more than one objection to get the question dismissed, and Kwok finally offered that “in the event” there were effects on athlete well-being, the department would do its best to “mitigate” those issues.

Later, Kwok testified that USC had discontinued its annual handbook after a dispute over certain policies in 2020, and that the athletic department hasn’t replaced it. (Separately, Kwok also said she was unfamiliar with the school’s NIL policy.) NLRB lawyers, however, showed a school website with live links to a 2021-22 Student Athlete Handbook and social media policy. Kwok said the rules were publicized “in error,” but she agreed there is no evidence to prove that these documents weren’t enforceable, or that athletes were told they were obsolete.

Either way, athletes seemed to think they had to follow the rules, according to testimony from a session in December. 

The trial will resume Tuesday, with more adverse witness testimony from the athlete side case.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

exclusive

Bud Selig: ‘Remarkable’ Brewers Run Can’t Mask MLB’s Money Divide

The former commissioner lauds his hometown team while raising economic concerns.

MLB’s Rare October Day: Four Playoff Games, Four Possible Clinchers

Four separate clinching opportunities are available during the day.
Maverick Carter, LeBron James
exclusive

New International Basketball League Plans Launch, Without Maverick Carter

The venture plans to launch men’s and women’s leagues next fall.
Oct 4, 2025; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers defensive back DeShon Singleton (8) celebrates after making an interception during the game against Michigan State at Memorial Stadium.
exclusive

Big Ten Considering Investment From California Pension Fund

In the proposed deal, the Big Ten would spin off assets into a new entity.

Featured Today

Paul Cartier

Sports Organists Are Still Thriving in the Era of Raucous Arena Music

“When they walk out and they see a real organ guy, it’s like, ‘Wow.’”
Sep 27, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers center fielder Jackson Chourio (11) rounds the bases after hitting a home run during the sixth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at American Family Field.
October 4, 2025

Milwaukee Moneyball: Brewers Are Beating MLB’s Deeper Pockets

Milwaukee is holding its own against big-budget competitors.
Kōloa Rum Company Rum Rusher
September 27, 2025

Panthers Bubbly, Jets Wine, Manning Whiskey: The Sports Booze Boom

A sommelier dives into the sports booze trend—and tries Jets wine.
Nov 17, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers fans wave Terrible Towels against the Baltimore Ravens during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium
September 26, 2025

Steelers’ Irish Roots Are Deeper Than NFL Dublin Game

The Steelers have history and the foundation for a future in Ireland.
October 7, 2025

NIL Hits Week 1: Auburn’s Atlanta Game Marks Next Step in Player..

The teams will play in the 2026 Aflac Kickoff Game.
Sep 20, 2025; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers head coach Matt Rhule walks onto the field before the game against the Michigan Wolverines at Memorial Stadium.
October 7, 2025

Big Ten Teams Grapple With Long Flights, Time-Zone Hurdles

Coaches across the country are noticing some impact.
Sponsored

How Jenny Just Is Shaping the Future of Sports Ownership

Jenny Just on bringing her investment experience to sports ownership.
Oct 4, 2025; Pasadena, California, USA; UCLA Bruins quarterback Nico Iamaleava (9) passes the ball during the fourth quarter against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Rose Bowl.
October 6, 2025

The Improbability of UCLA’s Incredible Upset Win Against Penn State

Before UCLA beat Penn State, donors were deeply unhappy.
Sep 27, 2025; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin reacts during the fourth quarter against the Oregon Ducks at Beaver Stadium.
October 6, 2025

Penn State Has a $50 Million James Franklin Problem

Franklin’s team lost to unranked UCLA on Saturday despite being heavy favorites.
October 5, 2025

CFB’s New Parity Era: Penn State, Texas Top-25 Exits Signal Shift

Penn State and Texas fall entirely out of the top-25 rankings.
Cody Campbell
October 4, 2025

Fox, ABC Reject Ad Accusing Power Conference Commissioners of Greed

Cody Campbell said the ads were pulled after he paid for them.