LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) — Former Michigan State Soccer participant and State Rep. Joe Tate has launched laws that seeks to guard a school athlete’s proper to earn cash off their title, picture, and likeness (NIL).
Home Invoice 4643 states that collegiate establishments and athletic organizations can not forestall pupil athletes from receiving monetary compensation for using their NIL.
The invoice additionally prohibits penalties, restrictions, or retaliatory actions towards athletes, brokers, establishments, or third events participating in authorized NIL actions.
“Student athletes deserve the same basic rights as any other student — the ability to profit from their own talent, image and effort,” mentioned Rep. Tate in a information launch despatched to six Information.
Rep. Tate was a former Division I student-athlete himself, taking part in left guard for the Spartans from 2000 to 2003. Rep. Tate additionally spent two years within the NFL as a member of the Jacksonville Jaguars, Atlanta Falcons, and St. Louis Rams.
“I’ve lived the student-athlete experience. I know the dedication, sacrifices and challenges that come with balancing academics, athletics and personal growth. My legislation guarantees student athletes can pursue those opportunities without fear of punishment from their schools or sports organizations,” mentioned Rep. Tate in a information launch despatched to six Information.
On June 6, U.S. District Decide Claudia Wilken accepted a $2.8 billion class-action settlement in Home v. NCAA.
Rep. Tate says that whereas this landmark determination ends one chapter of NCAA management over athlete compensation, it introduces many new hurdles that have to be overcome.
“At its core, the bill recognizes NIL as a matter of economic fairness. While universities and athletic programs generate millions in revenue, the athletes themselves often receive nothing beyond scholarships. This legislation works to ensure that those contributing to that success are not shut out of the economic opportunities they help create,” mentioned Rep. Tate in a information launch despatched to six Information.
Rep. Tate served because the Michigan Home Speaker from January 1, 2023, to January 8, 2025.