Name, Imagine and Likeness, or NIL as it’s referenced often in short, has swept across the country. What is it? And how does it impact Rice Athletics?
Effective July 1, NIL legislation in states across the country went into effect with additional guidance from the NCAA serving as a backdrop. As soon as the clock strike midnight, student athletes began to announce new ventures aimed at making a profit using their Name, Imagine and Likeness.
In a nutshell, new NIL policy allows athletes to make money off their own likeness. Much in the same way a Chemistry student could use knowledge from his or her studies to run a tutoring business on the side, now college athletes can monetize themselves in similar ways. Some have launched new businesses. Others have posted branded content on their social media pages. We touched on it briefly in this week’s episode of The Roost Podcast.
How does this impact Rice Athletics?
According to Texas State law, Rice athletes are now free to enter into these types of agreements insofar as they do not overlap with official team activities (practices, class, games, etc.), involve Rice branding or property, or serve as endorsements for drugs, alcohol, gambling or other elicit businesses. And most importantly, no athlete can receive compensation for their performance on the field.
Student athletes must disclose potential agreements to the compliance staff, with opportunities exceeding $5,000 requiring approval from the Athletic Director. So far, we’ve seen several take advantage of their newfound rights.
NIL and Rice Athletes
A whole host of Owls have signed up to offer personalized coaching on Vevole which describes itself as “a video coaching platform that powers personal achievement through accessible coaching.” Individual coaches can select their own rates. Current and former Rice affiliated coaches include:
- Michael Whitehead, Golf
- Kel Bordwine, Baseball
- Justin Collins, Baseball
- Benjamin Content, Baseball
- Alex DeLeon, Baseball
- Carly Graham, Volleyball
- Anthonio Cruz, Baseball
- Jimmy Comerota, Baseball
- Connor Teykl, Baseball
- Tamir Jackson, Basketball
- Blair Lewis, Baseball
- Noah Hutchins, Basketball
Others have announced partnerships with Yoke Gaming, a service that allows fans to “compete face-to-face” with their favorite athletes in online video games. Current Rice football players Khalan Griffin and Plae Wyatt have both posted announcements regarding their involvement on Instagram.
Current Rice basketball guard Quincy Olivari announced a partnership with Go Puff, a delivery service for food and drinks.
The most creative use of the new rules belongs to Rice offensive lineman Nick Wagman.
As a student athlete I’m honored to use the new NIL laws to partner with my first brand. @kylesolomon5 needs help finding a girlfriend. Any girls out their interested hit his DM’s! #ad
— Nick Wagman (@nickwagman91) July 1, 2021
