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The National Collegiate Athletic Association approved a policy on Wednesday that would allow higher education athletes to make money from endorsements and sponsorships while they play for their schools.

The NCAA’s Division I Board of Directors approved an interim name, image, and likeness proposal permitting players to accrue funds while still maintaining status as students, according to The Athletic. The move is reportedly set to take effect on Thursday, and the interim policy will serve as a placeholder until federal legislation is adopted.

The unprecedented move followed a Supreme Court ruling last week that found the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit rightly determined the league’s limitations on how schools compensate athletes violated antitrust law. The 9th Circuit decision struck down NCAA rules limiting the education-related benefits schools could offer to student-athletes.

SUPREME COURT SIDES AGAINST NCAA IN COLLEGE ATHLETE COMPENSATION CASE

“You can look at the limitations of benefits or pay to players, but is there a similar focus on the compensation to coaches to maintain that distinction between amateur coaches as opposed to coaches in the pro ranks?” Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas asked during oral arguments in March.

Similarly, Justice Brett Kavanaugh said the NCAA’s business model would be “flatly illegal” in any other industry.

“The NCAA’s business model would be flatly illegal in almost any other industry in America,” Kavanaugh wrote.

“College presidents, athletic directors, coaches, conference commissioners, and NCAA executives take in six- and seven-figure salaries,” the Trump-appointee added. “Colleges build lavish new facilities. But the student athletes who generate the revenues, many of whom are African American and from lower-income backgrounds, end up with little or nothing.”

After the court’s ruling, a handful of collegiate athletes released teasers suggesting they would cash in on their images and likeness.

University of Wisconsin quarterback Graham Mertz tweeted out a video of a trademarked logo on Monday.

Similarly, University of Iowa basketball player Jordan Bohannon posted a photograph of merchandise alongside the phrase “Coming July 1st.”

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The NCAA did not immediately respond to a request for comment from the Washington Examiner.

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Tags: News, NCAA, College, Sports, Supreme Court, Higher Education

Original Author: Jake Dima

Original Location: NCAA approves interim policy allowing athletes to profit off endorsements

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