Floor SpeechUrgent2025-03-11

BRINGING ATTENTION TO ALBERTO OSUNA

Context

On 2025-03-11, Representative Tim Burchett (R-TN-2) delivered a floor speech titled "BRINGING ATTENTION TO ALBERTO OSUNA" in the House.

Full Text

Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 45 (Tuesday, March 11, 2025) [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 45 (Tuesday, March 11, 2025)] [House] [Page H1128] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] BRINGING ATTENTION TO ALBERTO OSUNA (Mr. BURCHETT asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.) Mr. BURCHETT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bring much-needed attention to an extraordinary ballplayer and young man and a Vol hopeful. His name is Alberto Osuna. He was born in America, and he is affectionately known as Berto. He transferred to the University of Tennessee in January after an impressive career at North Carolina and Walters State Community College where he knocked out 45 home runs and knocked in 140 runs over three seasons. Despite following all the necessary steps to secure eligibility to play for the University of Tennessee, the NCAA in their infinite wisdom has blocked his opportunity. Students at UT have painted the rock to my left here to show their support for Berto in hopes that he might play his final season with the Vols at Lindsey Nelson Stadium. He wanted to do something for his family. This is what this is all about. In over a minute I don't have time to explain it all, but this situation just isn't about Berto. It is about ensuring that student athletes are on a level playing field, Mr. Speaker, against the bureaucratic machine and nightmare that the NCAA has become and seemingly continues to let down the student-athletes they claim to serve. They just follow the dollars, Mr. Speaker. I would urge the NCAA to take some serious action and grant Alberto the immediate eligibility he deserves and take the necessary steps to prioritize the well-being of their student-athletes, ensuring that opportunities for success are not blocked by unnecessary red tape. Osuna left his whole life in Tampa to come to Knoxville and play for Coach Tony Vitello and the Vols. The NCAA needs to do the right thing. Free Berto. Give him the time he deserves on the field. The balls are stacked again this year, Mr. Speaker. They are coming off a national championship. They are winning again. It is not imperative that he gets on the team for them to win. It is just the right thing. NCAA should do the right dadgum thing. ____________________

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BRINGING ATTENTION TO ALBERTO OSUNA Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 45 (Tuesday, March 11, 2025) [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 45 (Tuesday, March 11, 2025)] [House] [Page H1128] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] BRINGING ATTENTION TO ALBERTO OSUNA (Mr. BURCHETT asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.) Mr. BURCHETT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bring much-needed attention to an extraordinary ballplayer and young man and a Vol hopeful. His name is Alberto Osuna. He was born in America, and he is affectionately known as Berto. He transferred to the University of Tennessee in January after an impressive career at North Carolina and Walters State Community College where he knocked out 45 home runs and knocked in 140 runs over three seasons. Despite following all the necessary steps to secure eligibility to play for the University of Tennessee, the NCAA in their infinite wisdom has blocked his opportunity. Students at UT have painted the rock to my left here to show their support for Berto in hopes that he might play his final season with the Vols at Lindsey Nelson Stadium. He wanted to do something for his family. This is what this is all about. In over a minute I don't have time to explain it all, but this situation just isn't about Berto. It is about ensuring that student athletes are on a level playing field, Mr. Speaker, against the bureaucratic machine and nightmare that the NCAA has become and seemingly continues to let down the student-athletes they claim to serve. They just follow the dollars, Mr. Speaker. I would urge the NCAA to take some serious action and grant Alberto the immediate eligibility he deserves and take the necessary steps to prioritize the well-being of their student-athletes, ensuring that opportunities for success are not blocked by unnecessary red tape. Osuna left his whole life in Tampa to come to Knoxville and play for Coach Tony Vitello and the Vols. The NCAA needs to do the right thing. Free Berto. Give him the time he deserves on the field. The balls are stacked again this year, Mr. Speaker. They are coming off a national championship. They are winning again. It is not imperative that he gets on the team for them to win. It is just the right thing. NCAA should do the right dadgum thing. ____________________