From and LSU Board owner….
In other news, NIL (name, image and likeness) has been a hot topic in Destin all week during SEC Meetings, and now it’s making headlines throughout Louisiana. Just yesterday, the Louisiana State Senate unanimously voted to approve Sen. Patrick Connick’s bill, which would allow universities to facilitate NIL deals for their student-athletes. The bill now heads to Gov. John Bel Edwards’ desk.
As I understand it, the bill repeals sections of the original state law that prevented university employees and organizations such as the Tiger Athletic Foundation from facilitating deals. It also removes some limitations on boosters and stipulates that NIL contract terms remain confidential. Schools still cannot pay a player to play and are not allowed to pay a prospective student-athlete as a recruiting inducement, but the amended legislation would allow LSU to work with collectives — groups of deep-pocketed fans and alumni who operate independently of the school — to create legitimate NIL opportunities. It would also enable LSU to be more involved in advising and guiding the student-athlete.
You may recall that Jacques Doucet published an outstanding interview of Brian Kelly last week in which LSU’s head coach mentioned a change coming soon to NIL laws. He said, “I’m really excited about what we’re putting together and what we’re going to be able to talk about here pretty soon once the legislation changes because we can help.” This is precisely what Kelly was talking about.
Personally, I have mixed feelings about the whole NIL thing and its effect on college football, but I’m glad to see this action being taken. LSU is currently at a competitive disadvantage on the recruiting trail compared to many other schools that operate under different state laws. Alabama, for example, repealed its NIL law earlier this year and partnered with a collective, and they’re far from alone. Look for more on this topic as news develops.
In other news, NIL (name, image and likeness) has been a hot topic in Destin all week during SEC Meetings, and now it’s making headlines throughout Louisiana. Just yesterday, the Louisiana State Senate unanimously voted to approve Sen. Patrick Connick’s bill, which would allow universities to facilitate NIL deals for their student-athletes. The bill now heads to Gov. John Bel Edwards’ desk.
As I understand it, the bill repeals sections of the original state law that prevented university employees and organizations such as the Tiger Athletic Foundation from facilitating deals. It also removes some limitations on boosters and stipulates that NIL contract terms remain confidential. Schools still cannot pay a player to play and are not allowed to pay a prospective student-athlete as a recruiting inducement, but the amended legislation would allow LSU to work with collectives — groups of deep-pocketed fans and alumni who operate independently of the school — to create legitimate NIL opportunities. It would also enable LSU to be more involved in advising and guiding the student-athlete.
You may recall that Jacques Doucet published an outstanding interview of Brian Kelly last week in which LSU’s head coach mentioned a change coming soon to NIL laws. He said, “I’m really excited about what we’re putting together and what we’re going to be able to talk about here pretty soon once the legislation changes because we can help.” This is precisely what Kelly was talking about.
Personally, I have mixed feelings about the whole NIL thing and its effect on college football, but I’m glad to see this action being taken. LSU is currently at a competitive disadvantage on the recruiting trail compared to many other schools that operate under different state laws. Alabama, for example, repealed its NIL law earlier this year and partnered with a collective, and they’re far from alone. Look for more on this topic as news develops.
