In a move that could shake up high school sports in Ohio, Jamier Brown—a standout wide receiver from Wayne High School—has filed a lawsuit to let high school athletes profit from their name, image, and likeness (NIL). The lawsuit, brought in Franklin County Court of Common Pleas, challenges the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) bylaws that currently ban these kinds of payments.
Jamier’s mom, Jasmine Brown, is leading the charge with their legal team. The outcome could really change things for student-athletes all over the state.
The Lawsuit and Its Implications
Jamier, already committed to The Ohio State University, is right in the thick of this legal fight. The lawsuit says OHSAA’s rules hurt Jamier by blocking him from cashing in on NIL deals that could mean serious money—like trading cards that might bring in as much as $100,000.
Non-Monetary Benefits
But it’s not just about the money. The lawsuit points to other perks if high school athletes could take part in the NIL marketplace.
- Enhanced Personal and Professional Reputation: Building a personal brand early could give an athlete’s profile a real boost.
- Networking Opportunities: Working with brands and sponsors might open doors to valuable connections in all sorts of industries.
- Long-Term Career Development: Early experience with marketing and branding could pay off down the road.
Financial Relief for Families
The Browns’ legal team also argues that NIL money could ease the financial pressure on families. Supporting a talented high school athlete isn’t cheap—travel, coaching, tutoring, it all adds up.
Attorney Luke Fedlam, representing the Browns, says NIL earnings could help cover those costs, making it less of a burden for families who want to back their kids’ dreams.
The Current Landscape
Ohio is still one of the few states that doesn’t let high school athletes profit from NIL. Fedlam points out that 44 other states and D.C. have already changed their rules to allow it.
The lawsuit is pushing for Ohio to catch up, so its athletes don’t get left in the dust.
OHSAA’s Response
OHSAA Executive Director Doug Ute says they’ve been keeping a close eye on the situation. They’d hoped to address NIL during the May referendum voting, but the lawsuit has sped things up quite a bit.
Now, Ute says an emergency vote might be needed, depending on how the court moves. Brown’s legal team has also filed for a temporary restraining order to stop OHSAA from enforcing its NIL ban—for now, at least.
If granted, that could let Jamier and others start taking advantage of NIL deals right away.
Potential Impact on High School Sports
If this lawsuit wins, high school sports in Ohio could look very different. Athletes might finally get paid for what they bring to the table, which—let’s be honest—feels overdue.
It could also set a new standard for other states that are still holding out, opening up even more opportunities for student-athletes everywhere.
Guardrails and Protections
People worry about exploitation when it comes to NIL, and that’s fair. Fedlam argues that bringing NIL to high school could actually mean stronger protections for athletes compared to college players.
He thinks that with the right rules in place, OHSAA can make sure students aren’t taken advantage of and that their interests come first. It’s a big promise, but maybe it’s time to see if Ohio can deliver.
Looking Ahead
The outcome of this lawsuit could shake up high school sports in Ohio—and maybe even further. A lot of people are watching: athletes, families, and sports organizations all over the country.
If high school athletes get the green light to profit from their NIL, things could change fast. There are new opportunities here, but, honestly, plenty of unknowns and challenges too.
Want to dig deeper? Check out the full article on Fox 8 News.
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