Ohio State head coach Ryan Day testified today in front a state Senate panel in support of Ohio’s NIL bill. Coach Day appeared in the stead of Athletic Director Gene Smith, who was unable to attend due to a scheduling conflict.
Day argued that the state bill was necessary in lieu of federal legislation, saying:
“I suggest federal legislation will need to be adopted on the NIL issue to allow for fair and uniform Name, Image and Likeness opportunities for America’s student-athletes. However, until that occurs, Ohio student-athletes cannot be left behind. We were hopeful that federal law and NCAA actions would make legislation in Ohio unnecessary, but it is now clear that enactment of state legislation will be necessary to keep our state and our student-athletes on a level playing field.”
The Senate panel subsequently passed the bill, which will now move on to the full senate for a vote.
It was great to have @OhioStateFB Coach @ryandaytime testify in favor of my SB 187, which will legalize compensation for college athletes from their own name, image, and likeness, today in Workforce & Higher Education Committee! Thankful to the committee for voting the bill out! pic.twitter.com/qNSHXOo45B
— Niraj Antani (@NirajAntani) June 15, 2021
Edit: As Mad4527 pointed out below, the Ohio Senate passed the bill, and it will now move on to the House for another vote. Assuming it passes there and Governor DeWine signs it into law, it could take effect by July 1st.
