State Rep. Adam Mathews | The Ohio House of Representatives
State Rep. Adam Mathews | The Ohio House of Representatives
Members of Ohio's collegiate sports community have expressed their support for House Bill 660, a piece of legislation aimed at strengthening Name, Image & Likeness (NIL) laws in the state. The announcement was made by Representative Adam Mathews from Lebanon.
Ross Bjork, Senior Vice President and Wolfe Foundation – Eugene Smith Endowed Director of Athletics at Ohio State University, testified in favor of the bill before the Civil Justice Committee. "This bill sends a strong signal that the state of Ohio will continue to be a leader in collegiate athletics," said Bjork. He noted that many athletic directors across Ohio share his sentiments.
John Cunningham, Athletic Director at the University of Cincinnati, and Todd Jones, President of the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Ohio, have also voiced their support for House Bill 660. Cunningham stated, "What House Bill 660 does is provide us and our student-athletes clarity in this constantly evolving ecosystem." He emphasized that allowing university athletic departments to manage NIL operations internally would offer protection and accountability currently lacking.
The bill is scheduled for its next hearing soon.
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