Los Angeles Lakers' LeBron James voices support for Fair Pay to Play bill

Sept. 5 (UPI) -- Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James voiced his approval for a bill that would allow college athletes in California to profit off endorsement deals.

Senate Bill 206, called the Fair Pay to Play Act, would prevent schools in the state from taking away scholarships or eligibility from collegiate athletes who use their stardom to generate money. SB 206 has cleared the state Senate and is awaiting a vote by the full California State Assembly.

James tweeted his support for the bill Thursday, calling SB 206 a "game changer."

"Everyone is California," James wrote on Twitter. "Call your politicians and tell them to support SB 206! This law is a game changer. College athletes can responsibly get paid for what they do and the billions they create."

The Lakers star followed that with a tweet saying: "California can change the game. This is only right waaaayy overdue. #morethananathlete."

State Sens. Nancy Skinner and Steven Bradford introduced the Fair Pay to Play Act in February. The bill also allows college athletes to hire an agent or attorney to represent them in business deals without losing eligibility.

The law, if passed, would go into effect in January 2023.