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Statement grade
The average of Signal, Relevance, Reasoning and Clarity is 76. The grade is held to 60, 30 above Signal. 60 / 100, held down by Signal
Signal
30 / 100
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Relevance
100 / 100
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Reasoning
100 / 100
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Respect
–
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Clarity
73 / 100
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A score under 50 is red. Choose a measurement to see where it lost points and why; choose it again to clear.
Anecdote 44% Positioning 2% Reasoning 17% Procedure 11% Claims 11% Thanks 12% The ask 3%
Structure · 13 steps
Claims · 3
This view breaks the statement into its steps and names what each one does.
Mr. President, Anecdote · 166 words as you well know, we are debating the Protect College Sports Act--legislation about the future of college sports--but I wouldn’t be doing my job as a U.S. Senator from Indiana if I didn’t point out that the Hoosier State happens to be the capital of the college football world right now. In one of the greatest seasons in the history of all college sports, the Indiana Hoosiers went undefeated last year and won the national championship.1 IU is back with a top-five team again this year and has a chance for another deep playoff run.2 And joining IU in the top five is the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, who also look really good this season.3 Whether it be in Bloomington or South Bend, we are hoping the championship trophy stays in the great State of Indiana this year. Off point This support for these two teams shows that Hoosiers love college sports, and we want to continue rooting for our favorite schools and athletes for generations to come, Anecdote Partly on point Positioning · 12 words but the future of college sports is at a crossroads right now. Positioning Reasoning · 68 words Congressional action is necessary to ensure that the NIL landscape is built on clear and fair rules and that it provides protections for both student-athletes and universities and ensures the longevity of not only college football and men’s basketball but Olympic and women’s sports as well. Vague promise Without a Federal framework, the legal and operational uncertainty around this space will only cause our academic institutions and student-athletes to suffer. Procedure · 21 words However, as with any legislation Congress contemplates, we have to do our due diligence to ensure it will work as intended. Procedure Vague promise Anecdote · 66 words In addition to the many Hoosiers that are or will become student- athletes, I have a diverse group of engaged stakeholders on this issue based in Indiana, including the NCAA, USA Track & Field, USA Gymnastics, USA Diving, and, of course, top-tier universities. Throughout this process, I have stayed in close contact with these schools and organizations to make sure the legislation will work for them. Anecdote Claims · 58 words I have also pushed reforms to this bill as it has gone through the process to ensure the interests of all Indiana colleges and universities, including our two Big Ten schools, are well represented. I am pleased that this final bill is supported by Indiana, Purdue, Ball State, Indiana State, and numerous other colleges and universities across Indiana. Procedure · 22 words Getting to the finish line on a major piece of legislation like this isn’t easy, and it requires a lot of work. Procedure Thanks · 64 words I am particularly grateful to Chairman Cruz and Ranking Member Cantwell for their collaborative approach and willingness to make changes to the bill to address concerns raised by the Big Ten. I know the Presiding Officer and so many other colleagues lent their voice and their labors to this effort, and I am most appreciative for all the breakthroughs for which they are responsible. Thanks Reasoning · 20 words I am supporting this legislation because I believe it is the right approach to protect the future of college sports. Procedure · 7 words I believe it is the right approach. Procedure The ask · 18 words So I urge my colleagues to support the Protect College Sports Act and strengthen this uniquely American institution. Procedure · 7 words I suggest the absence of a quorum. Procedure
At a glance
Lost points for Anecdote ×10 Procedure ×6 Off point ×4 Thanks ×3 Partly on point ×2 Vague promise ×2 Positioning Little substance Much of this statement went to praise, blame, greetings, routine procedure or general stories rather than reasons, requests or specific points. Reasons given This statement drew 3 conclusions and gave a reason for each one.
Switch Claims on to list the checkable claims here.
What the tags mean →
Signal · 30
20 of 28 deductions are Signal
Signal checks whether every part makes a point, gives a reason, or asks for action. A low score means the speaker filled time with fluff, pleasantries, or attacks.
Anecdote A story that illustrates instead of making a point. What the tags mean → “as you well know, we are debating the Protect College Sports Act--legislation about the future of college sports--but I wouldn’t be doing my job as a U.S. Senator from Indiana if I didn’t point out that the Hoosier State happens to be the capital of the college football world right now.” An anecdote: it illustrates, it does not claim, reason or ask.
Anecdote A story that illustrates instead of making a point. What the tags mean → “In one of the greatest seasons in the history of all college sports, the Indiana Hoosiers went undefeated last year and won the national championship.” An anecdote: it illustrates, it does not claim, reason or ask.
Anecdote A story that illustrates instead of making a point. What the tags mean → “IU is back with a top-five team again this year and has a chance for another deep playoff run.” An anecdote: it illustrates, it does not claim, reason or ask.
Anecdote A story that illustrates instead of making a point. What the tags mean → “And joining IU in the top five is the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, who also look really good this season.” An anecdote: it illustrates, it does not claim, reason or ask.
Anecdote A story that illustrates instead of making a point. What the tags mean → “Whether it be in Bloomington or South Bend, we are hoping the championship trophy stays in the great State of Indiana this year.” An anecdote: it illustrates, it does not claim, reason or ask.
Anecdote A story that illustrates instead of making a point. What the tags mean → “This support for these two teams shows that Hoosiers love college sports,” An anecdote: it illustrates, it does not claim, reason or ask.
Anecdote A story that illustrates instead of making a point. What the tags mean → “and we want to continue rooting for our favorite schools and athletes for generations to come,” An anecdote: it illustrates, it does not claim, reason or ask.
Positioning Praise, blame or attack with no claim, reason or ask in it. What the tags mean → “but the future of college sports is at a crossroads right now.” Positioning: praise, blame or attack. No claim, reason or ask.
Procedure Throat-clearing: announcing what you are about to say, or the House’s routine business. What the tags mean → “However,” Procedure or throat-clearing: no claim, reason or ask.
Procedure Throat-clearing: announcing what you are about to say, or the House’s routine business. What the tags mean → “as with any legislation Congress contemplates, we have to do our due diligence to ensure it will work as intended.” Procedure or throat-clearing: no claim, reason or ask.
Anecdote A story that illustrates instead of making a point. What the tags mean → “In addition to the many Hoosiers that are or will become student- athletes, I have a diverse group of engaged stakeholders on this issue based in Indiana, including the NCAA, USA Track & Field, USA Gymnastics, USA Diving,” An anecdote: it illustrates, it does not claim, reason or ask.
Anecdote A story that illustrates instead of making a point. What the tags mean → “and, of course, top-tier universities.” An anecdote: it illustrates, it does not claim, reason or ask.
Anecdote A story that illustrates instead of making a point. What the tags mean → “Throughout this process, I have stayed in close contact with these schools and organizations to make sure the legislation will work for them.” An anecdote: it illustrates, it does not claim, reason or ask.
Procedure Throat-clearing: announcing what you are about to say, or the House’s routine business. What the tags mean → “Getting to the finish line on a major piece of legislation like this isn’t easy,” Procedure or throat-clearing: no claim, reason or ask.
Procedure Throat-clearing: announcing what you are about to say, or the House’s routine business. What the tags mean → “and it requires a lot of work.” Procedure or throat-clearing: no claim, reason or ask.
Thanks Thanks and tributes. What the tags mean → “I am particularly grateful to Chairman Cruz and Ranking Member Cantwell for their collaborative approach and willingness to make changes to the bill to address concerns raised by the Big Ten.” Thanks: no claim, reason or ask.
Thanks Thanks and tributes. What the tags mean → “I know the Presiding Officer and so many other colleagues lent their voice and their labors to this effort,” Thanks: no claim, reason or ask.
Thanks Thanks and tributes. What the tags mean → “and I am most appreciative for all the breakthroughs for which they are responsible.” Thanks: no claim, reason or ask.
Procedure Throat-clearing: announcing what you are about to say, or the House’s routine business. What the tags mean → “I believe it is the right approach.” Procedure or throat-clearing: no claim, reason or ask.
Procedure Throat-clearing: announcing what you are about to say, or the House’s routine business. What the tags mean → “I suggest the absence of a quorum.” Procedure or throat-clearing: no claim, reason or ask.
Relevance · 100
6 of 28 deductions are Relevance
Relevance checks whether the speaker stays on topic and answers the question asked. A low score means the speaker dodged the issue. Measured against the bill under debate.
Off point Talking about something other than the matter at hand: the question asked, or the bill, motion or speech under debate. What the tags mean → “In one of the greatest seasons in the history of all college sports, the Indiana Hoosiers went undefeated last year and won the national championship.” About Indiana football results and pride, not the bill’s provisions or purpose.
Off point Talking about something other than the matter at hand: the question asked, or the bill, motion or speech under debate. What the tags mean → “IU is back with a top-five team again this year and has a chance for another deep playoff run.” About IU’s current season ranking, not the bill.
Off point Talking about something other than the matter at hand: the question asked, or the bill, motion or speech under debate. What the tags mean → “And joining IU in the top five is the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, who also look really good this season.” About Notre Dame’s season, not the bill.
Off point Talking about something other than the matter at hand: the question asked, or the bill, motion or speech under debate. What the tags mean → “Whether it be in Bloomington or South Bend, we are hoping the championship trophy stays in the great State of Indiana this year.” About hoping championship trophies stay in Indiana, not the bill.
Partly on point Staying near the subject without addressing the matter at hand: what was asked, or what the bill, motion or speech is about. What the tags mean → “This support for these two teams shows that Hoosiers love college sports,” States a general fondness for college sports but does not address the bill’s contents or effects.
Partly on point Staying near the subject without addressing the matter at hand: what was asked, or what the bill, motion or speech is about. What the tags mean → “and we want to continue rooting for our favorite schools and athletes for generations to come,” States a wish to keep rooting for schools, not anything the bill does.
Reasoning · 100
0 of 28 deductions are Reasoning
Reasoning checks for sound logic and solid support for any conclusion. A low score means the speaker made unsupported leaps or used weak arguments.
Nothing lost points.
Conclusions found · 3
Conclusion “Congressional action is necessary to ensure that the NIL landscape is built on clear and fair rules and that it provides protections for both student-athletes and universities and ensures the longevity of not only college football and men’s basketball but Olympic and women’s sports as well.”
Because “Without a Federal framework, the legal and operational uncertainty around this space will only cause our academic institutions and student-athletes to suffer.”
Conclusion “I am supporting this legislation because I believe it is the right approach to protect the future of college sports.”
Because “In addition to the many Hoosiers that are or will become student- athletes, I have a diverse group of engaged stakeholders on this issue based in Indiana, including the NCAA, USA Track & Field, USA Gymnastics, USA Diving,”
“Throughout this process, I have stayed in close contact with these schools and organizations to make sure the legislation will work for them.”
“I have also pushed reforms to this bill as it has gone through the process to ensure the interests of all Indiana colleges and universities, including our two Big Ten schools, are well represented.”
“I am pleased that this final bill is supported by Indiana, Purdue, Ball State, Indiana State,”
“and numerous other colleges and universities across Indiana.”
“I am particularly grateful to Chairman Cruz and Ranking Member Cantwell for their collaborative approach and willingness to make changes to the bill to address concerns raised by the Big Ten.”
Conclusion “So I urge my colleagues to support the Protect College Sports Act and strengthen this uniquely American institution.”
Because “Without a Federal framework, the legal and operational uncertainty around this space will only cause our academic institutions and student-athletes to suffer.”
“I am pleased that this final bill is supported by Indiana, Purdue, Ball State, Indiana State,”
“and numerous other colleges and universities across Indiana.”
Respect · no score
Not checked: graded before this measurement existed. Excluded from the average.
Respect checks whether the speaker argued with people’s positions and records rather than attacking the people: insults, mockery, or bad motives assigned to them. Criticism of what someone did, however strong, is not marked.
Clarity · 73
2 of 28 deductions are Clarity
Clarity checks for plain speaking, clear ownership of actions, and honest limits on certainty. A low score means vague promises or evasive language.
Vague promise A promise with no date, no measure and no one responsible. What the tags mean → “Congressional action is necessary to ensure” The commitment names no specific measure, date, or standard by which the promised fair rules and protections would be judged.
Vague promise A promise with no date, no measure and no one responsible. What the tags mean → “we have to do our due diligence” A commitment to diligence with no stated action, actor beyond ‘we’, or test of what diligence would look like.
Claims · 3
This list shows the factual statements you can check for yourself: the words as said, and the claim restated to stand on its own.
1 “the Indiana Hoosiers went undefeated last year and won the national championship” The Indiana Hoosiers football team went undefeated and won the college football national championship in the 2025 season. search 2 “a top-five team again this year” The Indiana Hoosiers are ranked in the top five in college football during the 2026 season. search 3 “joining IU in the top five is the Notre Dame Fighting Irish” The Notre Dame Fighting Irish are ranked in the top five in college football during the 2026 season. search
