College athletes in Louisiana would be able to profit from their name, image, and likeness under a bill that is very close to final legislative approval after the House approved the measure on an 88-7 vote. The measure still needs Senate approval of House changes.
Marrero Senator Patrick Connick says once the governor signs the proposed law, it will be effective immediately.
“I think LSU is ready to go and I think other schools are ready to go also, so we will be ready for the fall football season,” said Connick.
Athletes would receive compensation for sponsorships, endorsements, and even social media presence. Connick says another way athletes can make money is through an licensing agreement.
“The student wants to wear the LSU colors or the Tulane colors, they will work to get an agreement with the schools to get the authority to do that, the student will be able to earn income from their work then also it will also protect the image of the logos and the image of the schools,” said Connick.
Connick says this bill is important because it ensures that Louisiana schools are not at a competitive disadvantage when it comes to recruiting student-athletes.
“Louisiana has to be competitive with other states, especially Florida, Alabama, Georgia and those states which have done this, this will put us in the same league and compete with these teams and compete with these other states,” said Connick.
18 other states have passed similar laws.
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