Name, image and likeness legislation is needed in Kentucky to “protect student athletes,” University of Kentucky Athletics Director Mitch Barnhart said Wednesday afternoon.
Barnhart, along with UK men’s basketball coach John Calipari, spoke in favor of SB6, which outlines name, image and likeness legislation for student athletes in Kentucky. Having this legislation in the state would guide student athletes and universities as they navigate name, image and likeness opportunities, and provide protections for both, Barnhart said.
The bill passed unanimously in the Senate Education Committee on Wednesday and will move to the full senate for a vote. Student athletes in Kentucky are able to make money from NIL because of an executive order signed last summer. Without federal legislation, a state law is needed, Calipari said.
“I think it’s a model bill,” Calipari said. “I think other states will look at this bill and say ‘Wow.’ I also think the federal government will look as they start to deal with this.”
Barnhart said the proposed bill helps protect both student athletes and universities as they navigate the changes that consistently happen related to NIL.
“The goal for us is that even as rules change in the landscape in which our students play and work continues to evolve, UK’s student athletes will be able to maximize opportunities while also continuing their education and benefiting from all the things that come from being on a college campus,” Barnhart said. “There is no question that a federal solution that creates a single standard for all student athletes in all states is the best path forward. We also believe that we shouldn’t wait for one uniform federal policy to continue finding ways to support our student athletes and ensure that they have the best possible experience in their name, image and likeness.”
The proposed legislation:
- Gives student athletes the opportunity to make money from their name, image and likeness.
- Gives colleges and universities the ability to put reasonable restrictions on NIL.
- Gives colleges and universities immunity from potential lawsuits related to NIL.
The legislation also requires universities to educate student athletes on contracts, negotiations and potential tax implications of contracts. It also outlines products that student athletes cannot endorse, like illegal products and sports betting.
In the last seven months, since the executive order was passed, there have been 800 NIL transactions among 250 UK athletes, Barnhart said.
Sen. Morgan McGarvey, a sponsor of the bill along with Sen. Max Wise, said the legislation will place student athletes on the same level as the average student, who could make money through social media or other jobs off their work.
“We do want this to be to the benefit of the student athlete,” McGarvey said. “That’s who we’re looking out for with this bill, that’s who we want to protect, and we think it does. The bill really, we think, favors the student athlete, while still giving the university some control.”
When asked if this legislation would help retain top players at UK, Calipari said the option to utilize NIL would likely have some impact. Students who may have previously left early might consider staying because they have the opportunity to make money through their name, image and likeness while at UK, Calipari said.
“Kids that have made mistakes leaving early — because of it — will stay,” Calipari said, however, students who are No. 1 draft picks may still choose to leave, he added.
This story was originally published February 09, 2022 5:29 PM.