Collegiate Chaos

The NIL Act causes more chaos

By Macky Bennis

Should College Athletes be able to profit from their name, image, and likeness?  The NIL Act allows collegiate athletes to receive financial compensation. This policy has been controversial since being announced in June 2021.  Fans believe athletes are obliged to have the right to earn an income, rewarding them for their hard work. Due to this, athletes have the ability to sign endorsement deals, sell autographs, and make monetize jersey sales. Data proves a large percentage of collegiate athletes come from low-income families, so this has added comfort and stability for these families. Another positive to NIL is the financial experience it gives to the athletes. This offers the opportunity to negotiate deals and manage their wealth, that relate to adult-hood skills. Future collegiate athlete, Joey Bellinotti of Shady Side Academy says in regards to the benefits of NIL, “The NIL is the best rule they have inducted into the NCAA.  This move was long awaited.” 

While there are many positives to NIL, like everything, it carries negatives as well. Since athletes can receive money, schools now offer them money to bribe them to go to their university. The problem with this is the fact that bigger schools have more money to offer. This creates an unfair advantage for the bigger schools, and also an imbalance of skill throughout programs. NIL could also be a distraction for athletes from their athletics, and academics. It is possible that an individual could fill with greed, and focus on the endorsement side than they should. Senior Cameron Martins said, “I can imagine how easy it is for athletes to focus on the money, more than their performance."  If athletes can manage their priorities in a healthy manner, NIL is a great thing. Name, Image, and Likeness will continue to spark a debate for years to come. 

For more information: https://www.ncsasports.org/name-image-likeness