By Since the being of student athletes they have played receiving scholarships for their abilities with no financial incentive for these individuals. College athletics have made millions for the universities as fans pay for tickets, jerseys, pendants as well as a host of other incentives to give contributors. For years student athletes paved the way for universities to build their coffers off their blood, sweat and tears on and off the field.
On the Hill the House Committee hearing dealing with student athletes and the NIL(Name, Image, Likeness) law. The committee contemplates federal legislation to supersede state laws to create equality for the athlete regardless of the size of the university student athletes are attending.
Dr. Livingston, President of Baylor University spoke to the committee as she enumerated changes that would help the student athletes use the NIL to their advantage, she goes on to state 98% of student athletes will not go on to play in the professional sporting arena and the NIL will help the individual student athlete to have income during their time playing at the university level. One of the tenets of her plan states” a clear definitions of NIL as commercial activity between student athletes and 3rd parties not between student athletes and universities. It should prohibit pay for play models operating solely as an incentive to enroll or remain as a student athlete.
NIL will need to be closely monitored to keep the criminal element away from this opportunity for athletes to profit off their talents, not just the institutions they play for. Coaches, Teachers, Board of Regents or even the Presidents of these institutions must adhere to the code of the law and allow students to thrive. Smaller schools will need to move toward a program that helps the athlete contact and maintain a dialogue with a 3rd party player to enhance their earning ability.
Clear definitions of NIL as commercial activity between student athletes and 3rd parties not between student athletes and universities. It should prohibit pay for play models operating solely as an incentive to enroll or remain as a student athlete.”
