Homeschool students in Virginia will not have the chance to participate in public school sports after the state's Senate Education and Health Committee rejected the so-called "Tebow Bill" Thursday, in a 8-7 vote.

Named after Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow, opponents argued it would be unfair to allow students who haven't met the school's academic standards to play.

But Sen. Stephen D. Newman, R-Lynchburg, one of the bill's supporters, said the measure would have given local school divisions the option to allow home-schooled children to compete.

"I would hope we as a committee would step out and hug these children," Newman said.

At least 15 states, including Florida, allow homeschool students to play sports at public schools. Tebow, who was homeschooled, led his team to a state title his senior year.