There’s been a big shakeup in Ohio high school sports. A new bill could dramatically change how student-athletes handle name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals.
This comes not long after the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) allowed high school and even middle school athletes to accept NIL deals. Now, House Bill 661 wants to roll back those opportunities, saying it’s about keeping high school sports focused on education and development.
The Emergence of NIL in Ohio High Schools
Back in November, the OHSAA made waves by letting high school athletes sign NIL deals. That decision came after a lawsuit from the family of Ohio State football commit Jamier Brown, which really put a spotlight on the demand for NIL among young athletes.
Many saw the ruling as a forward-thinking move. It put Ohio in line with other states that have opened the door for NIL deals at the high school level.
But according to the Dispatch, Reps. Adam Bird and Mike Odioso have introduced a bill to revoke those chances. The legislation would ban high school student-athletes from getting any kind of compensation tied to their name, image, or likeness in connection with interscholastic sports.
Key Provisions of House Bill 661
So what does House Bill 661 actually do? Here are some of the main points:
- Ban on Compensation: High school athletes wouldn’t be allowed to receive compensation tied to their name, image, or likeness while playing school sports.
- Eligibility Restrictions: If an athlete takes NIL money, they’d be ineligible for that sport—but could still play other sports.
- Regulatory Framework: The bill requires groups like the OHSAA to set up rules for investigating violations and create an appeals process for reinstatement.
Arguments For and Against the Bill
Supporters, like Bird and Odioso, say the bill is about protecting what makes high school sports special. They believe NIL deals could put too much pressure on young athletes and let wealthier schools or boosters take over the scene.
Odioso called the new OHSAA NIL by-laws a threat to the core values of grade school and high school athletics. Bird pointed out that high school sports are supposed to teach character, discipline, and leadership—not just create future stars.
Opposition to the Bill
On the flip side, critics like attorney Luke Fedlam—who represented Jamier Brown’s family—think rolling back NIL would be a mistake for Ohio. Fedlam warned that it could push talented athletes to other states, which might hurt local schools and communities.
He also noted that school leaders already voted for NIL through the OHSAA. Taking that away could do real damage to athletes and the broader community.
The Broader Implications
This whole NIL debate is part of a bigger national conversation about paying amateur athletes. More states are considering letting high schoolers profit from their name and image, so what happens in Ohio could influence others.
Some folks argue that young athletes deserve a shot to benefit from their hard work. NIL deals might help families financially and give athletes a taste of what’s ahead in college or even pro sports.
But there are real worries, too. Opponents say bringing money into the mix at such a young age could lead to exploitation and distract from the true purpose of high school sports. Is it worth risking the lessons of teamwork and perseverance over a paycheck?
What Lies Ahead
House Bill 661 is winding its way through the legislative process, and honestly, both sides are paying close attention. Supporters are hoping they can rally enough votes to pass it and bring back the old-school amateur status for high school athletes.
On the flip side, there are plenty of folks who see real benefits in NIL opportunities for students. They’re not backing down, and they’ll keep pushing for what they believe is a positive step for young athletes.
What happens next? Well, the outcome could shake up high school sports in Ohio—and maybe even spark similar debates in other states. The world of amateur athletics is shifting, and it’s anyone’s guess how to strike the right balance between old values and fresh opportunities.
If you want to dig deeper into the story, check out this piece from the Dispatch.
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