Name Image and Likeness: What We Thought vs What It Is

NateDawg joins us as a guest columnist from time to time. Enjoy his latest.

There’s a new era in college athletics.

As we just wrapped up the Fourth of July weekend, college athletes from all over the country get to celebrate their independence to use their Name, Image, and Likeness to promote themselves, businesses, and fundraisers without the overreaching hand of the NCAA weighing them down.

I’ll admit, at first, I didn’t think it was a good idea when it was first proposed a few years ago. Like most people, I thought that the idea came from athletes who were spoiled, thought they were entitled to getting paid while doing something they loved, as well as doing something they should do out of the kindness of their hearts (interact with fans). That they didn’t realize the blessings they already had from playing college ball and that it was an amazing resume builder. I was wrong though, it’s a lot more than that.

At first, I thought that all college athletes on scholarship received full-ride scholarships, so there was little to no need for them to make extra money. As it turns out, that really depends on what sport they play and at what school they go to. Many athletes are still graduating with a lot of debt. This new bill relieves at least some of that burden. Athletes can now make money that they can use to pay off their own student debts or maybe help out a friend who wasn’t as lucky to get a scholarship.

Also, who remembers the fundraiser that Trevor and Marrissa Lawrence put together (before they got married) to assist in Covid Relief for families in North Georgia and the South Carolina upstate? Athletes can now create similar fundraisers without the need of the NCAA’s permission.

I have already read of one football player, who transferred from Notre Dame to Florida State, who is creating a GoFundMe to bring his biggest fan down to Tally from Indiana so he can watch his favorite athlete play again. Athletes can also take this as an opportunity to help their parents out with expenses that are weighing them down. DJ Uiagalelei can help his family out with the financial burden of flying from California to South Carolina or any other game day destination.

Furthermore, some athletes have hidden talents (in the arts, marketing, etc.) and can now showcase them in front of organized crowds or talent shows not sponsored by the school. They can sing in concerts, participate in art shows, or whatever suits their talents.

Now, they still are not being paid by their respective Universities, and they shouldn’t. But now, they can do all of the above mentioned without the NCAA placing a strong hold on them. With all this, can you think of a reason why they shouldn’t do it?