Richard Sherman on new California law: 'I hope it destroys the NCAA'

San Francisco 49ers cornerback Richard Sherman (25) against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Sept. 22, 2019. (AP Photo/Tony Avelar) San Francisco 49ers cornerback Richard Sherman (25) against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Sept. 22, 2019. (AP Photo/Tony Avelar) Photo: Tony Avelar / Associated Press Photo: Tony Avelar / Associated Press Image 1 of / 13 Caption Close Richard Sherman on new California law: 'I hope it destroys the NCAA' 1 / 13 Back to Gallery

San Francisco 49ers cornerback Richard Sherman is one of many professional athletes applauding the state of California for passing a law that will allow college athletes to hire agents and profit from endorsements.

"I hope it destroys the NCAA," Sherman told reporters on Monday. "I think it's corrupt, and I think it's a bunch of people taking advantage of kids and doing it under a mask of fair play."

California Governor Gavin Newsom signed SB 206 into law Monday. Athlete pay would come from endorsements, and a number of other states including Florida, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and North Carolina are now reportedly considering similar legislation.

"Other college students with a talent, whether it be literature, music, or technological innovation, can monetize their skill and hard work," Governor Newsom said. "Student athletes, however, are prohibited from being compensated while their respective colleges and universities make millions, often at great risk to athletes' health, academics and professional careers."

FULL COVERAGE: Things to know about California's law on college athlete pay

After SB 206 was signed into law, the Pac-12 conference warned the legislation will lead to "very significant negative consequences."

"The Pac-12 is disappointed in the passage of SB 206 and believes it will have very significant negative consequences for our student-athletes and broader universities in California," the conference wrote in a statement. "This legislation will lead to the professionalization of college sports and many unintended consequences related to this professionalism."

One of the arguments against paying student athletes is that the cost of education is fair compensation for stars of major sports, such as football and basketball, who are there on scholarships. Richard Sherman disputes this.

"If you did a cost analysis of how much each student brings in compared to what they earn in scholarship, one number would be greater than the other," he said. "The bowl executives get how much? How much do March Madness executives get? Who's getting all that money? That's the thing that's so messed up is most people in the civilized world who are paying attention couldn't tell you where the money is going."

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SFGATE Senior Manager Katie Dowd contributed to this report.

Eric Ting is an SFGATE staff writer. Email: eric.ting@sfgate.com | Twitter:@_ericting