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By Brian Carson
For the Mirror
The concept of NIL, or Name, Image and Likeness, has been a hot topic in the world of college athletics for some time now.
Essentially, it refers to the rights of college athletes to profit off their name, image, and likeness, something NCAA rules have historically prohibited.
These athletes, who often bring in vast amounts of revenue for their schools, should be able to share in some of that profit rather than being unpaid amateurs.
At the high school level, based on PIAA approval last month, NIL activities allow student-athletes to monetize their athletic abilities.
These activities can include endorsement deals, sponsorships, appearances at speaking engagements, autograph signings and more.
While the debate over NIL in college athletics is complex and nuanced, extending these rights to high school athletes is a different ballgame.
Here are a few reasons NIL is not a good idea for high school athletes:
1. High school athletes are not ready for the pressure and responsibility.
The college athletics' landscape is already intense, with big-time programs generating millions of dollars in revenue and athletes facing immense pressure to perform on the field and in the classroom.
Contributing the added stress of NIL to high school athletes, who are already dealing with the challenges of adolescence and navigating the college recruitment process, seems like a recipe for disaster.
These young athletes are not yet developed mentally or emotionally, and the financial and legal responsibility that comes with NIL could be overwhelming.
2. It could create an unfair playing field.
Allowing high school athletes to profit off their name, image and likeness could create a situation where athletes can secure lucrative endorsement deals, while others are left behind.
This could lead to a situation where a small group of elite athletes can secure significant financial benefits.
In contrast, most high school athletes are left to compete on a level playing field.
This would be especially problematic in sports like football and basketball, where a small group of highly talented athletes often dominates the competition.
3. It could lead to corruption and exploitation.
The NCAA has struggled for years with issues related to corruption and exploitation, with agents and boosters offering illicit payments and benefits to college athletes to sway their decision-making.
Extending NIL rights to high school athletes would only exacerbate these problems, as agents and boosters would have even more incentive to get their hands on the top high school prospects.
This could lead to a situation where young athletes are approached by unscrupulous individuals offering them money and other benefits in exchange for their commitment to a particular school.
4. It could detract from the educational experience.
High school athletics is supposed to extend the educational experience, with athletes learning valuable life lessons and developing essential skills like teamwork, discipline and goal setting.
Allowing high school athletes to profit off their name, image, and likeness could shift the focus away from these valuable educational experiences and towards pursuing financial gain.
This could ultimately lead to a reduction in the overall quality of high school athletics and a diminished focus on the educational benefits athletics can provide.
5. Allowing NIL could lead to students becoming overly focused on individual success --which runs counter to the spirit of team building and collaboration that should be fostered within sports programs.
Coaches and administrators should strive to remain neutral and provide equal opportunities for all players regardless of third-party participation or involvement in name, image, and likeness activities.
While NIL may have some merit in college athletics, extending these rights to high school athletes is not a good idea.
High school athletes are not yet ready for the pressure and responsibility that comes with NIL, and the potential for unfairness, corruption, and exploitation is too great.
It's important to remember high school athletics are supposed to be an educational experience, and prioritizing financial gain over the development of important life skills is not in the best interests of these young athletes.
Brian Carson is a sports reporter for the Lewistown Sentinel.