There is a new proposal in the Michigan House of Representatives that would allow college athletes in the state to earn “fair compensation” for their name and likeness, meaning, for example, that they could sign extremely lucrative endorsement deals.
“These reforms are long overdue,” said state Rep. Brandt Iden, R-Kalamazoo. “If a student athlete has the talent and ability to make a little money from a sponsorship or advertising contract, they should have the opportunity to do so.”
State Rep. Joe Tate, a former Michigan State offensive lineman, is also sponsoring a bill that would let student-athletes sign with agents.
“I really had the opportunity of a lifetime to play and represent the university in intercollegiate athletics,” Tate said. “But we need to level the playing field and ensure that the reason why revenue generation takes place … is done because of the players.”
The NCAA had announced just a few weeks ago that they would start the process to allow student-athletes to benefit from their name and likeness, but that likely won’t happen until 2021. This Michigan bill would go into effect before football season next year.
