The Wendell H. Ford Lecture Series featuring Senator Bill Bradley

On October 16th, we welcomed former Senator Bill Bradley to campus to deliver the annual Wendell H. Ford Lecture. The Senator focused his remarks on the intersection of sports and public policy. Senator Bradley discussed the values that policymakers, and the general population, can learn from sports.

Senator Bradley was joined by panelists Bruce K. Johnson, Professor in Economics at Centre

College, and Tom Leach, the Voice of the Kentucky Wildcats. The discussion was moderated by KET Public Affairs Producer and Host Renee Shaw.

Earlier this year, the Supreme Court struck down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992, also known as the Bradley Act. This bill served to halt the spread of sports gambling throughout the United States. Just five months after the Supreme Court's decision, half a dozen states have legalized sports gambling and almost a dozen more are considering adopting the practice.

In light of this growing trend, the panel received a variety of questions about the efficacy of sports gambling. Highlights included discussion of the impacts of sports gambling policy on state revenues, NCAA athletes, and game fixing.

It was wonderful to have such a lively conversation about a rapidly evolving policy area. The Martin School extends its thanks to all those who attended, asked questions, and helped to continue the Wendell H. Ford Public Policy Lecture Series tradition of excellence. An additional thanks goes out to everyone who helped make this event a success, especially Tabatha Christianson, the Martin School’s own Operations Manager without whom the event would not have been possible.