Ohio high school athletes might soon get the chance to make money from their name, image, and likeness (NIL), just like college players. The Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) is mulling an emergency referendum on the issue, sparked by a lawsuit involving one of the state’s top football prospects.
This vote could shake up high school sports in Ohio. If it passes, student-athletes could start cashing in on their public recognition through endorsements, social media, and even paid appearances.
The Background: NIL in High School Sports
Right now, Ohio is one of only six states that still bans high school athletes from getting NIL payments. That might change soon, thanks to a lawsuit from the mother of Jamier Brown—a standout receiver already committed to Ohio State.
She claims her son could be making $100,000 a year based on his current fame. The OHSAA originally planned to vote on NIL rules in May 2023 as part of their annual process, but the lawsuit has put things on a much faster track.
Doug Ute, the OHSAA’s executive director, says they’ve been bracing for this situation and are ready to call an emergency vote if needed. It’s not every day a high school sports rule gets this kind of spotlight.
What the Proposed Bylaw Entails
If the bylaw goes through, high school athletes could sign deals and get paid for their NIL. The money could come from a bunch of places, like:
- Appearances
- Licensing
- Social Media
- Endorsements
- Branding based on public recognition
This would be a big change from the current rules, which shut down any NIL money for Ohio’s high school athletes. Back in 2022, a similar idea was shot down by member schools—almost two to one against it.
But with college athletes now cashing in and legal pressure mounting, things feel different this time. Will enough schools flip their stance?
The Legal Push: Jamier Brown’s Case
The lawsuit over Jamier Brown has really pushed this issue into the spotlight. Brown, a senior at Huber Heights Wayne High, is ranked as the nation’s top wide receiver for next year’s class.
His mom argues that banning NIL payments is unfair and blocks her son from earning what he’s worth. The OHSAA responded quickly, releasing a statement late Wednesday that the legal action could force an emergency vote among its member schools.
This vote would decide if Ohio high school athletes can start earning NIL money before the original May 2023 referendum. The clock’s ticking.
Implications for Ohio High School Athletes
If the emergency vote passes, doors could open wide for high school athletes in Ohio. They’d finally be able to turn their talents and popularity into real money, just like the college kids.
- Signing endorsement deals with local and national brands
- Monetizing their social media presence
- Participating in paid public appearances and events
- Licensing their likeness for use in video games and merchandise
For someone like Jamier Brown, that could mean a big payday before he ever plays a college game. It might also give families a new way to support their kids’ athletic dreams—maybe easing a bit of the financial strain that comes with chasing sports at a high level.
Challenges and Considerations
Of course, letting high schoolers earn NIL money isn’t all upside. There are some real challenges to sort out, like:
- Ensuring fair and equitable opportunities for all athletes
- Preventing exploitation and undue influence from third parties
- Maintaining the integrity and amateur status of high school sports
- Providing education and resources to help athletes manage their earnings responsibly
The OHSAA will have to hammer out guidelines and protections. That’ll likely mean working closely with schools, coaches, and legal folks to build a system that actually looks out for student-athletes while letting them benefit from their own NIL.
Looking Ahead: The Future of NIL in High School Sports
The upcoming emergency vote by OHSAA member schools could be a big deal for high school sports in Ohio. If the bylaw goes through, Ohio would join the list of states letting high school athletes get NIL compensation.
That shift might help some student-athletes directly, but the ripple effects could reach far beyond Ohio. It’s hard not to wonder how this could shape the future of high school sports across the country.
As the NIL debate keeps shifting, one thing’s obvious—the world of amateur athletics isn’t what it used to be. Ohio’s possible move toward NIL payments feels like another step in a story that’s still unfolding.
If you want to dig deeper into what’s happening, check out the full article on The Center Square.
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