'We're ready to go': How Oklahoma State is prepared for new NIL positives and negatives
Jacob UnruhOklahoman
STILLWATER — Three months ago, Oklahoma State wrestler AJ Ferrari became the talk of campus.
He entertained with his near WWE-style post-match interviews. He even ripped off his tank top and flexed his muscles on the infield of O’Brate Stadium after throwing a ceremonial first pitch ahead of Bedlam.
Now, it’s possible his shirt will stay in one piece for his next public appearance. There is value in it.
Hours into the new era of college athletics, Ferrari became the Cowboys’ first athlete to take advantage of the new name, image and likeness guidelines. He unveiled a partnership with wrestling apparel company Nearfall.
And that’s likely just the start for student-athletes at OSU.
In a week the landscape of college athletics shifted more to the athletes, Ferrari was the highest-profile Cowboy to begin benefiting. A national champion with his own clothing line.
There will be more in the coming weeks and months.
OSU is prepared for that.
“I feel like we're ready to go,” new OSU athletic director Chad Weiberg said during his introductory news conference Thursday, the first official day of the NIL era. “We will learn as we go. It’s not going to be perfect from the beginning. We’ll make adjustments as we go. But I feel good about where we are.”
Ten months ago, the Cowboys and INFLCR formed a partnership to better prepare student-athletes for the day NIL became a reality.
That day arrived last week.
Several OSU athletes began taking advantage. A message was posted on most of their social media pages.
“Starting today, NCAA college athletes will have the opportunity to benefit from our name, image and likeness,” the post read. “Any companies, brands or individuals that want to partner with me on endorsement deals, creating content or branding opportunities, my DMs are open. Message me if interested.”
At least three OSU football players announced new opportunities to benefit.
On Thursday, safety Kanion Williams and cornerback Christian Holmes joined Yoke Gaming, an app that allows fans to compete head-to-head or team up on video games with their favorite athletes.
Even backup long snapper Zeke Zaragoza got in on the action Friday, becoming a Barstool Athlete.
With that title, Zaragoza will primarily receive free merchandise. Barstool Sports posted a video Thursday announcing the new sponsorship for any Division I athlete in the country who applies through their website.
Villanova’s star guard Collin Gillespie signed up among other athletes across the country.
While those choices appear harmless, the Cowboys’ administration and coaching staff are pushing caution to each athlete.
“There’s a lot of really good things that are possible out there,” OSU men's basketball coach Mike Boynton said. “There's also some landmines out there that we don’t know about. I’m all for student rights. There’s maybe not a bigger advocate for students having the opportunity to brand themselves and be who they are in the most authentic way possible.
“But they need to be careful and they need to educate themselves. They could be treading some tough water here.”
Boynton said he worries a legally binding contract could lead to problems. An athlete might not read it all and get into a sticky situation. There could be more appearances than realized. Taxes could be owed.
Boynton has encouraged his players to make sure professionals are involved before they agree to a deal.
“It's our part to make sure there are resources here that can help them take advantage of it,” he said.
OSU took that first step when it signed on in September with INFLCR, a software and mobile app designed to empower student-athletes to build their own brand.
The Cowboys were ahead of the curve.
Now, they’re ready for what’s next.
“I look forward to hearing that,” Weiberg said about upcoming advantages for OSU student-athletes. “That’s a good thing. We want to do everything we can to make it possible for them to take advantage of the opportunities they have in that area just like we would want to in any other area.”
