UPDATE: Ohio high school principals are set to decide on a crucial Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) proposal from November 17-21, 2023. This emergency bylaw referendum comes after a recent court ruling that allows athletes to enter NIL agreements, a significant shift in policy.
The Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) announced the vote, responding to a temporary restraining order issued by Judge Jaiza Page in Franklin County. The court ruling permits all athletes from the 818 schools in the OHSAA to pursue NIL deals, a move that could reshape high school athletics in Ohio.
Last year, OHSAA members overwhelmingly rejected a similar NIL proposal, with a vote of 538-254. However, momentum has shifted with the new legal context. The OHSAA Board of Directors approved new language for an NIL proposal last month, initially planned for a vote in May.
This urgent development stems from a lawsuit filed on October 15 by Jasmine Brown, the mother of top wide receiver prospect Jamier Brown from Wayne High School. Brown’s family claims he has already missed out on over $100,000 in potential NIL earnings. His commitment to Ohio State University adds further significance to this case.
“I want to be able to use my name, image, and likeness to help my family financially,” Jamier Brown stated on X. “NIL can make that possible for me and many other student-athletes in Ohio.”
The proposed new bylaw aims to establish structured reporting procedures and limitations, ensuring student-athletes retain their eligibility while pursuing NIL agreements. This approach reflects a growing trend across states, with Ohio currently among six states prohibiting high school athletes from accepting payments for their NIL.
Legal experts emphasize the differences between high school and college NIL arrangements. Attorney Luke Fedlam noted, “There are guardrails that have been in place that protect the integrity of sport and competition.” He highlighted that high school regulations do not allow for collectives or recruitment tactics seen at the college level.
This vote will be pivotal for the future of high school athletics in Ohio, as it could open the door for student-athletes to gain financial independence and support their educational pursuits. With another hearing on a preliminary injunction scheduled for December 15, the stakes are high.
Stay tuned for updates as this story develops, as the outcome of the vote could significantly impact athletes, families, and the landscape of high school sports in Ohio.
