COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio lawmakers could not come to a consensus on whether or not to allow student athletes to make money off their names. That debate ended today when Governor Mike DeWine signed an executive order allowing it.
Prior to last week, Senate Bill 187 appeared to be on the way to becoming law. That was until Republican Representative Jena Powell added language to the bill that would ban transgendered girls from competiting in female sports. The additional language caused supporting Democrats to abandon the bill.
Governor DeWine elected to take executive action allowing for student athletes to earn money from their name, image, or likeness. According to the order, athletes can hire their own agents to assist with endorsements. One condition for student athletes is that they cannot endorse alcohol, tobacco, or adult entertainment.
