In a surprising move, an Ohio common pleas judge has granted a temporary restraining order allowing high school athletes in the state to profit from their name, image, and likeness (NIL). Judge Jaiza Page, of the Franklin County Common Pleas Court, issued the ruling, opening the door for student-athletes across Ohio to enter NIL deals—a right that athletes in 44 other states already have.
This case was sparked by Jasmine Brown, who filed on behalf of her son Jamier Brown, a standout high school football prospect. It’s another sign that high school sports are changing fast, and that athletes’ rights to benefit from their own talent are finally getting serious attention.
The Landmark Ruling
Judge Page’s decision marks a big shift in Ohio’s approach to NIL for high school athletes. Until now, Ohio was one of just six states that blocked high schoolers from accepting payment for their name, image, or likeness.
The other holdouts? Alabama, Indiana, Michigan, Mississippi, and Wyoming. Maybe this ruling will nudge them to rethink things, but who knows—change can be slow.
Background of the Case
Jasmine Brown filed the lawsuit on October 15, acting as parent and guardian for Jamier Brown, a junior at Wayne High School in Huber Heights. Jamier has already verbally committed to Ohio State University and is considered the top wide receiver prospect in his class.
According to the lawsuit, Jamier’s missed out on over $100,000 in potential NIL deals thanks to Ohio’s old rules. That’s a lot to leave on the table for a teenager.
Implications for Ohio High School Athletes
This decision affects all 818 schools under the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA). Now, athletes can sign NIL deals and actually profit from their skills while still in high school.
The OHSAA previously shot down an NIL proposal in 2022. With this court decision, it feels like they’ll need to revisit the issue sooner rather than later.
Legal and Athletic Community Reactions
Reactions from lawyers and sports folks have been mixed, which isn’t surprising. Luke Fedlam, who represents the Browns, called the decision a win for all high school athletes in Ohio.
He also pointed out that most states have rules to make sure NIL deals don’t mess with the spirit of fair competition. That’s probably wise—no one wants high school sports to turn into a bidding war.
OHSAA’s Next Steps
Tim Stried, spokesperson for OHSAA, said they saw this ruling coming and are getting ready to communicate next steps to member schools. There’s a hearing for a preliminary injunction set for December 15, which should clear things up a bit more.
Guardrails and Regulations
High school NIL is a different animal than college NIL. There are guardrails in place to keep high school sports from going off the rails.
For example, while college athletes might have collectives to help with recruitment, that’s not a thing at the high school level. Most states are careful to block those and keep eligibility rules tight.
Potential Economic Impact
The economic impact here could be huge. High school athletes can now earn real money through NIL deals, which could help their families in a big way.
It also gives businesses—local and national—a shot at partnering with young talent. That’s a win-win, or at least it could be, if it’s handled right.
Future Prospects and Opportunities
For athletes like Jamier Brown, this changes everything. They can finally get paid for their hard work and skill, not just wait for college.
And who knows, maybe this will push other states to loosen up too. The ripple effect could be bigger than anyone expects.
Community and Educational Benefits
There’s more to it than just cash. This ruling could boost school spirit and community support, as athletes get more recognition and opportunities.
And if athletes have a little more financial breathing room, maybe they can focus more on school and training. That’s not a bad trade-off, is it?
Conclusion
The temporary restraining order from Judge Jaiza Page is a big deal for high school sports in Ohio. Now, athletes can actually earn money from their name, image, and likeness.
This move puts Ohio in step with most other states. The OHSAA is gearing up for the next phase, with a hearing scheduled for December.
Curious about the details? You can check out the full article over at the Washington Times.
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