I prefer Congress stay out of sports but they have acted before and should do so when any industry gets so far out of whack they are barely functional, at least in the issue at hand. See baseball, job safety, traffic safety, etc.
You are spot on that the schools need to subject themselves to one authority for the good of college sports. The states getting involved should be left out of the discussion. They will only sit on the sidelines for a year or two before caving. Mississippi should not have more influence than any other state, nor should any other. Alabama, Florida, Tennessee, Michigan, Ohio, et al., yes, I am looking at all of you. If states want to have influence, be at the negotiating table to establish the rules and waive the option of going to state courts, deferring to federal courts, the rules are the same and laws are the same in all 50 states. Also, allow for sever punishments in the accountability portion of governance. Establish standards for punishment for violations to be consistent AND effective. No more Directional State U suffering for Big State U's violations. And, yes, the private schools are treated equally with the state schools!
Whether the NFL will step up and accept a few million dollars off the top to pay for a minor league is probably a non starter. Owners are not likely to make the money back for funding a minor league. The only real advantage is that they would have a ready pool for injury and stockpiling a few key payers. Also, a place for rehab for players working their way back to the field.
