Big news is brewing for high school sports in Ohio. A fresh lawsuit filed in Franklin County might force an emergency referendum on a bylaw that would let student-athletes get paid for their name, image, and likeness—NIL, if you’re keeping track.
Ohio’s one of the handful of states still holding out on NIL for high schoolers. Depending on how this lawsuit shakes out, young athletes could soon have a shot at earning some cash from their talents and local fame.
The Lawsuit and Its Implications
The family of Jamier Brown, a top recruit from Wayne High School’s 2027 class, is leading the charge. Their lawsuit argues that Ohio athletes deserve the same NIL rights as kids in 44 other states and D.C., where it’s already a thing.
They say NIL deals could bring in real money for families and help cover essentials like training and recovery. For athletes trying to stay at the top, that kind of support isn’t just nice—it’s necessary.
Potential for an Emergency Vote
Originally, the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) planned to put the NIL proposal up for a vote in May. But with legal pressure mounting, an emergency vote might jump the line, thanks to OHSAA bylaw 8-1-1.
This bylaw lets them speed things up when something urgent pops up. OHSAA Executive Director Doug Ute sounds ready for whatever comes next.
*We have been following this situation closely and have been preparing for this situation. We were hoping this would wait for the referendum voting period in May, but as we told our schools this fall, the vote may have to come sooner than that due to a lawsuit, which would trigger the emergency vote. We are prepared to move forward with our member schools on this issue,* Ute said.
The Benefits of NIL for High School Athletes
If the bylaw goes through, student-athletes could sign deals for compensation in a bunch of ways, like:
- Appearances
- Licensing
- Social Media
- Endorsements
- Branding
These chances would depend on the athlete’s public profile. It’s a way for them to actually benefit from all the work and attention they’ve put in.
The proposal also sets up some guardrails so students don’t accidentally mess up their eligibility under OHSAA’s amateur rules. There’s a lot at stake here, so the details matter.
Historical Context and Future Prospects
Back in 2022, OHSAA member schools shot down the first NIL proposal—538 to 254. But lately, the national mood has shifted, and more states are opening doors for high school NIL.
May 1 through May 15 is the usual window for annual referendum voting, with each school getting a single vote per issue. This time, though, the lawsuit might speed things up.
Jamier Brown himself took to Instagram to share his hopes. He wants to use NIL rights to help his family and invest in his academics and athletic growth.
*Like what’s allowed in other states, I want to be able to use my name, image and likeness to help my family financially and get the extra after-school academic help and football training that can help me maximize my potential. NIL can make that possible for me and many other student athletes in Ohio,* Brown wrote.
The Role of Legal Representation
Luke Fedlam, the Brown family’s attorney, isn’t shy about NIL’s potential. *For some, they could truly and directly help their family, but for others, this is an opportunity to help cover costs like training costs and recovery costs, so they can continue to compete at the elite-level,* Fedlam explained.
Ohio’s push for NIL rights fits into a bigger national trend. More states are jumping on board, putting extra pressure on holdouts like Ohio.
The result of this lawsuit could set the tone for what happens next—not just here, but possibly across the country. It’s a moment worth watching, even if the details are still a bit up in the air.
Preparing for the Future
As the situation keeps shifting, OHSAA and its member schools really need to stay on their toes. Nobody wants to be caught off guard by sudden changes.
Rolling out NIL policies at the high school level isn’t simple. There are a lot of moving parts, like making sure everyone follows amateurism rules and figuring out guidelines that actually protect student-athletes.
For more details on this developing story, visit this link.
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