New Illinois Law Allows Student Athletes To Cut Money-Making Deals

CHICAGO (CBS) – Governor JB Pritzker signed an important bill Tuesday that allows student athletes in Illinois to receive compensation.

CBS 2’s Mugo Odigwe spoke to one of the state officials who urged it to be done.

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“Being able to implement guidelines on something that is very personal to me, that I have had a lot of intimate experience with, is a great day for all of us,” said State Rep. Kam Buckner (26th Ward).

Years ago, Buckner couldn’t make money off his own likeness as a University of Illinois football player.

“If you study chemistry, for example, you still have the opportunity to receive market-driven compensation for using your name, your likeness and your image. However, you can’t do that if you’re a scholarship football or tennis or hockey player. “

Now, as an Illinois legislature, he has sponsored a bill that will allow current and future athletes to do just that. With Pritzker’s signature,
student athletes can be paid for their names, pictures, and even votes.

“The most obvious thing people talk about is the star quarterback or star point guard getting a deal with a merchandising company like Nike or Reebok, and those things are allowed. But there is also the possibility, for example the women’s softball player, to put her face on the poster of the local pizzeria, ”said Buckner.

Opponents of the legislation argued that this could lead to a situation where students looking for money deals would be deceived. Buckner says there are rules in place to make sure this doesn’t happen.

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“We gave them the opportunity to get legal advice,” said Buckner. “We gave them the option to hire an agent and we also banned certain types of endorsement. You can’t approve of things like alcohol. like cannabis. like video. like sports betting or casinos and games of chance. “

Buckner says the future will be much better for these athletes.

“It’s going to be a new day for many college athletes and we’re very excited about it.”

While the new law doesn’t boil down to paying college players, it should be a big deal for many student athletes.

“As a retired undergraduate athlete, I understand the meaning and importance of a day like this,” said Derrick Gragg, Northwestern University sports director. “Whenever we can be part of something so historical, it is important to get up.”

“Of course, you know, since I’m five years old – one of the fans’ favorites – I can now live stream, play video games with younger kids, surprise birthdays for younger people, you know, different things – so I’m going to get that opportunity.” take full advantage, ”said Illinois basketball guard Trent Frazier.

The law allowing payment for the use of the name, picture and picture of student athletes goes into effect this Thursday, which means students can start accepting related offers that are offered to them.

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The NCAA will vote tomorrow on a proposal that would establish rules nationwide for states that do not enact new laws.