A bill that would allow universities to sue former and current student athletes for fines brought against them is a good option for college athletics departments to have.

The bill will allow universities to sue athletes who violate state or federal law, school regulations or athletic league rules for financial damages.

Athletes who do such things "have a devastating impact on college sports," said Rep. Jim Koetje, R-Walker, who introduced the bill.

Student athletes represent the university and bring in huge amounts of revenue. But those circumstances don't excuse violating rules they know well in advance. They should be held to a higher standard.

Many athletes receive a free education from universities in addition to career opportunities brought by exposure on televised sports. They need to account for their actions.

Universities that have no knowledge of wrongdoing should not be held solely responsible for illegitimate deals on the side.

Specifically to the University of Michigan, Chris Webber should have to own up to his actions and pay back what he wrongfully accepted. As one of the basketball players who accepted money from former U-M booster Ed Martin, he caused the university $695,000 for legal fees and NCAA penalties.

Martin donated a total of $616,000 to U-M athletes.

Not only did Webber damage his own integrity, he also hurt the whole basketball program at U-M for years to come.

And in cash-strapped times, most universities don't have a lot of extra money to throw around. Making those that are responsible pay the hefty fines imposed when athletes and donors violate laws or regulations makes financial sense.

Although it could be difficult for colleges to collect from athletes who don't earn multi-million dollar salaries, the ability to recoup funds lost when they break the rules is an option all universities need.