In the ever-evolving landscape of college athletics, the conversation around Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rights continues to heat up. A significant point of debate is whether making college athletes employees of their schools is the right path forward. Ohio State president Ted Carter recently shared his insights on this topic during an interview with Tom Tiberi of 10TV in Columbus.
Carter expressed reservations about the idea of athletes becoming employees, highlighting potential downsides. "I believe athletes might lose out if they become employees," he noted.
Concerns include the potential loss of scholarships and reduced motivation to graduate, which are core values for educational institutions. Additionally, Carter pointed out the possible loss of medical support after athletes leave their programs.
He also mentioned the complexities that could arise with varying state employment laws, suggesting that making athletes employees might lead to unintended consequences. "Be careful what you wish for," Carter advised, emphasizing the potential negative ripple effects.
When asked about a timeline for implementing NIL guardrails, Carter was cautious. "I have a feeling we'll still be discussing this in a couple of years," he said, suggesting that it might take 2-3 years for concrete guidelines to emerge.
Carter further elaborated on the need for regulations, comparing them to "bumper pads on a bowling alley" to prevent things from going off track. He acknowledged that while these measures are yet to be established, they could come from various levels-whether the NCAA, conference commissioners, university leaders, or even government legislation. The urgency, he implied, is growing as the situation risks spiraling out of control, a sentiment shared by many in the sports community.
As the debate continues, it's clear that the future of NIL in college athletics will require careful consideration and strategic planning to balance the interests of athletes, schools, and the broader sports ecosystem.