Alabama Bill Aims to Empower High School Athletes: A bill has been pre-filed by State Representative Jeremy Gray that would allow high school athletes to participate in name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals.
Athletes like Jalen Milroe and Suni Lee are just a few of those college athletes in Alabama making a large amount of money from NIL deals.
This bill would allow high school athletes to do the same with local businesses or organizations
The state of Alabama wouldnt be the first state to have this kind of rule in place.
According to Business of College sports, 31 states allow high school students to participate in NIL.
Representative Gray believes if Alabama does not get on board the state will lose talented athletes to neighboring states like Tennesse or Georgia.
ABC 33/40 spoke to a few high school coaches about this many had concerns about the regulations and the mental pressure this could put on student athletes.
Representative Gray however, says the bill has strict guidelines.
ALSO READ: Jalen Hurts Leads Eagles with Resilience Despite Loss: Against Dallas Cowboys
You cant do pay for play right. You cant pay a player for scoring 10 touchdowns or throwing for 300 yards. Its none of those things in the bill,” said Representative Gray.
A deal cannot be provided by a school as an incentive for the student to enroll or remain enrolled in said school.
A student also cannot use any school logos, equipment, or uniform while promoting their deal.
The bill also states that the student athlete and the parent or guardian would be required to receive financial literacy guidance before taking in any money from the NIL deal.
“When I was an athlete I was just doing it for fun. I played basketball, ran track, baseball, all of those things in the name of just being athletic. Now kids have trainers and its just more expectations when it comes to sports, said Representative Gray,
“Imagine you spend your whole life training and preparing for the NBA the WNBA or even college and you have an injury. So why not let student athletes monetize themselves in an era where everyone is making money.
Our Reader’s Queries
Which state specifically has a law to keep high school athletes from making money off their name image and likeness?
High school athletes in several states can now make money off their name, image, and likeness (NIL) status. California’s CIF Article 20 Rule 212, Colorado’s CHSAA 2000.12 (amended in April 2022), and Connecticut’s CIAC Article 12 Rule 4.5.A are among the regulations permitting this. Additionally, the District of Columbia’s DCSAA Part V Section H has also allowed it.
Does Alabama have a NIL law?
Alabama officially repealed their previous Name, Image, Likeness (NIL) law on February 3, 2022, and passed a new one.