Ohio High Schools Set to Vote on Urgent NIL Proposal Nov. 17-21

UPDATE: Ohio high school principals are poised to make a groundbreaking decision on Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) regulations, with a critical vote scheduled from November 17-21, 2023. This urgent referendum comes on the heels of a temporary ruling from the Franklin County Common Pleas Court, paving the way for high school athletes in the state to enter NIL agreements.

The Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) Board of Directors announced the significant vote on Thursday, following a decisive rejection of a similar proposal in 2022, which was shot down by a margin of 538-254. The landscape has shifted dramatically since then, as court rulings and ongoing legal challenges have forced the OHSAA to reconsider its stance.

The timing of this vote is critical, especially after Judge Jaiza Page issued a temporary restraining order earlier this week, allowing students from the 818 OHSAA member schools to pursue NIL deals. Ohio is currently one of only six states that prohibit high school athletes from accepting payments for their name, image, and likeness, alongside Alabama, Indiana, Michigan, Mississippi, and Wyoming.

The push for NIL rights has gained momentum, particularly for standout athletes like Jamier Brown, a junior and top wide receiver prospect from Wayne High School in Huber Heights. Brown, who has verbally committed to Ohio State University, is at the center of a high-profile lawsuit filed by his mother on October 15. She claims that he has already missed out on over $100,000 in potential NIL earnings.

In a heartfelt statement, Brown expressed the challenges faced by him and his family. “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,” he said. His case underscores the urgent need for policy changes that allow high school athletes to benefit from their talents.

The proposed bylaw, if passed, would not only enable student-athletes to enter into NIL agreements but also establish vital reporting procedures and limitations to safeguard their eligibility. “High school NIL is different from college NIL,” stated Luke Fedlam, Brown’s attorney from the Amundsen Davis law firm in Columbus. “There are guardrails in place that protect the integrity of sport and competition.”

Another hearing regarding a preliminary injunction is set for December 15, 2023, as stakeholders eagerly await the outcome of the upcoming vote. Advocates for NIL rights stress the importance of allowing student-athletes to gain financial support while maintaining the integrity of high school sports.

This pivotal moment in Ohio high school athletics could reshape the landscape for young athletes across the state. As the vote date approaches, eyes will be on the OHSAA Board and the voices of principals who hold the future of high school athletics in their hands.

Stay tuned for updates as this developing story unfolds. The implications of this vote could resonate far beyond Ohio, influencing similar movements across the nation.