Ohio lawmakers may ban high school NIL deals

Catch up quick: Ohio, like nearly all other states, allows high schoolers to profit off of such deals, which the NCAA has permitted for college athletes since 2021.

• The Ohio High School Athletic Association announced the new rule in November to align with national trends — and in response to legal pressure from a top OSU football recruit, junior Jamier Brown, from Huber Heights, near Dayton.

Friction point: Two Ohio House Republicans introduced a bill in late January that would ban middle and high school NIL deals in Ohio.

What they're saying: "Ohio high school sports should be about a learning experience that is an extension of the classroom," Rep. Adam Bird (R-New Richmond) said during a news conference.

• "We don't spend public taxpayer money on stadiums and on weight rooms and on gymnasiums in order for them to be able to earn an employment and earn an income."

What's next: House Bill 661 has a second hearing scheduled Tuesday.