BREAKING NEWS: High school principals across Ohio are poised to vote on a critical Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) proposal from November 17-21, 2023. The Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) Board of Directors announced the urgent referendum following a temporary restraining order issued by Franklin County Common Pleas Court Judge Jaiza Page earlier this week.
This vote comes on the heels of a significant court ruling that permits students from the state’s 818 schools to enter into their own NIL deals, a move that could reshape the landscape for high school athletics in Ohio. Previously, a similar NIL proposal was overwhelmingly rejected in 2022, with a vote tally of 538-254 against.
The push for change gained momentum after Jamier Brown, a top wide receiver prospect from Wayne High School, filed a lawsuit claiming he has lost over $100,000 in potential NIL earnings. Brown, who has verbally committed to Ohio State University, expressed the need for NIL opportunities to support his family and enhance his athletic training.
“I want to be able to use my name, image, and likeness to help my family financially and get the extra after-school academic help and football training that can help me maximize my potential,” Brown stated on social media when the lawsuit was filed on October 15. His mother, Jasmine Brown, filed the suit as his guardian, highlighting the financial strain on their family.
Ohio currently stands as one of only six states—including Alabama, Indiana, Michigan, Mississippi, and Wyoming—that restrict high school athletes from receiving payments for their NIL. The OHSAA’s proposed bylaw aims to establish reporting procedures and restrictions that safeguard student-athletes’ eligibility while allowing them to benefit from their NIL.
Another hearing regarding a preliminary injunction is set for December 15, where further developments will be monitored closely.
“The proposed changes are designed to protect the integrity of high school sports while giving young athletes the chance to benefit from their hard work,” said attorney Luke Fedlam, representing Brown. “It’s important for folks to understand that high school NIL is fundamentally different from college NIL, with necessary guardrails in place.”
As the vote approaches, the implications for student-athletes in Ohio could be profound, potentially opening doors for financial opportunities that have been previously denied. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as the situation unfolds.
