NCAA, FBI Unite to Protect College Athletes From Online Exploitation

The NCAA and FBI will collaborate to educate college athletes on recognizing, preventing, and responding to online sexual exploitation (sextortion). The FBI says it handles over 3,000 tips daily and notes that athletes’ social media exposure and NIL deals can heighten vulnerability. The partnership aims to raise awareness and connect victims with resources (e.g., FBI victim advocates and NCVIC) rather than conduct investigations, offering guidance and support to remove or prevent the spread of private material. The effort follows cases like the Michigan staffer incident and emphasizes linking athletes to available help rather than policing behavior.