An effort to regulate college sports backed by the NCAA, the U.S. Olympic organization and the White House has faltered in Congress, with opponents raising concerns over the wide-reaching power it gives the NCAA and its most powerful programs. House Republican leaders had planned to push the bill, known as the SCORE Act, to a final vote this week. But those plans were abruptly scrapped after a procedural vote to advance the bill earlier this week nearly failed. “There were a few members that had some questions and wanted to know more about the bill,” Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-Louisiana., said Thursday. “So we’re just going to take our time with it to make sure we can get the coalition finalized.” It’s the latest delay for a bill that had appeared headed for passage over the summer before repeatedly hitting roadblocks. Scalise would not commit to bringing the bill back to the floor this year, saying the House has a “busy agenda.” Opponents say bill is ‘not ready for prime time’ The NCAA and Division I conferences portray the legislation as codifying the rules created by the multibillion-dollar lawsuit settlement that allows college players to be paid, providing clarity that supporters say is long-needed. On Tuesday, the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee joined the White House in lending support to the bill. “Urgent federal action is necessary to provide the stability, fairness and balance that will protect student-athletes and preserve collegiate athletic opportunities,” the White House said. But the bill has generated vocal opposition from both unions and athletes, in addition to multiple states’ attorneys general. While the legislation has some Democratic co-sponsors, House Democratic leaders were urging their members to oppose it. And Republicans have increasingly soured on the bill this week, complaining that it was rushed to a vote and that there are other priorities to pass before the end of the year. Read the full story.  ...read more read less