COLUMBUS — Ohio became the 18th state Monday to allow college athletes to earn money off their name, image and likeness after a GOP attempt to add a transgender sports ban to the bill forced the governor to issue an executive order.
Republican Gov. Mike DeWine signed an executive order that would bring Ohio up to speed with more than a dozen other states who now prevent universities or college athletic conferences from punishing athletes if they are compensated based on their sports performance.
“Naturally, athletes will want to go to college in states where they can earn money and remain eligible to play. Without setting these rules Ohio college athletic programs would be at a disadvantage,” he said.
Such compensation could involve anything from a book-signing at a bookstore to a deal with a local restaurant. Exceptions include sponsorships for marijuana, alcohol, tobacco and casinos.