Florida Governor Amends NIL Laws
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The state of Florida and NIL has become a reference point for other states, the NCAA, and prospective recruits. One month after the Florida Gators and quarterback signee Jaden Rashada parted ways after a NIL dispute, the state government is taking action.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis passed House Bill 7B, an amendment that allows coaching staffs direct involvement in negotiations between recruits and collectives. Previously, the NCAA prohibited coaching involvement, but the Rashada fallout warranted a new strategy.
On3's Pete Nakos reported that Florida head coach Billy Napier and Florida State head coach Mike Norvell attended the signing. Florida State lost star Colorado corner Travis Hunter last season in a similar fashion; Hunter spurned the Seminoles on early national signing day and signed with Jackson State and head coach Deion Sanders.
The bill represents a changing of the guard in NIL. The first two years of NIL have brought more questions than answers: players are now getting the money they deserve, but are the methods safe, efficient, and sustainable? Bringing coaching staffs in on the matter certainly would help answer some of those questions.
On3 gave a concise summary of what these new changes mean. While coaches don't have complete control over the negotiation process, they have new access not previously allowed.
"Coaches and athletic department staff can assist in the facilitation of NIL deals. While the move is not to allow recruiting inducements or pay-to-play agreements, it does simplify the deal process for athletes. If an athletic director or assistant coach, for example, hears about a business wanting to enter the NIL space, the staffer can now pass the word on to athletes. While it sounds simple, previously that would have violated state law."
These changes will serve as a blueprint moving forward. Different states adopt different legislations; for example, Tennessee and Texas allow high school athletes to receive compensation while in high school, while other states don't.
While states will take things at different speeds, it's easy to imagine many college athletic departments pushing for new legislation.
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