A Missouri Republican lawmaker withdrew a bill early Wednesday that proposed revoking student athlete scholarships if they participated in strikes, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
The proposed legislation, which came after University of Missouri football players threatened not to play during a recent rash of student protests, had a short life as it had been filed Friday. The legislation would have also required universities to fine coaches who encouraged athletes’ participation in strikes.
The Post-Dispatch reported that the bill’s sponsor, state Rep. Rick Brattin (R), did not comment on the withdrawal. But Brattin did tell a radio station in Kansas City that “we have a complete train wreck of a university due to their actions.”
The bill’s co-sponsor, state Rep. Kurt Bahr (R), told the newspaper he was surprised by his colleague’s decision to withdraw the bill.