COLUMBUS — An Ohio Senator introduced a bill to legalize college athletes earning compensation for their name, image and likeness.
Senator Niraj Antani (R-Miamisburg) introduced the bill that prohibits any college, university, or intercollegiate athletic association from preventing a student from participating in athletics as a result of receiving compensation.
>> University of Cincinnati Women’s Soccer player drowned Saturday
Under the proposed bill, student athletes will be permitted to obtain professional representation or enter into contracts for endorsements. The student must inform the college or university of their intent to enter into the contract at least 15 days before they enter into the contract, stated a news release.
“As a student at The Ohio State University, I saw the hard work student athletes put into their academics and their sport. Not every student athlete has a scholarship and even for those that do, it may only cover their cost of attendance, leaving little left over for living expenses,” Antani said.
>> Oakwood residents welcome and enjoy the cicadas this season
The bill does not require universities to enable these opportunities for their athletes.
Athletes will be prohibited from entering into contracts where they will be associated with marijuana, alcohol, tobacco, or casinos.