COLUMBUS – Ohio could be the next state to allow collegiate athletes to make money off their name, image and likeness.
State Sen. Niraj Antani, R-Miamisburg, will hold a news conference Monday afternoon to announce "major legislation involving collegiate athletics" accompanied by Ohio State University Athletic Director Gene Smith.
To date, 16 states have passed legislation that allows college students to make money through advertisements, sponsorship deals and other promotions based on their sports success and popularity. Five of those laws – Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi and New Mexico – take effect July 1.
That presents a fairness problem for the NCAA, which regulates student athletics. Should Alabama's quarterback be able to sign a Nike deal when Ohio State's cannot?