[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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