Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) has been one of the most talked about and contentious topics in collegiate sports since it was first passed back in 2021. The move was one of the most significant in the history of amateur athletics as now athletes are able to profit off of themselves, effectively eliminating the idea of "amateur" sports at the collegiate level.
From pajama deals to television commercials for the local car dealership, athletes have entered what was previously unprecedented territory.
The executive director of the Georgia High School Association (GHSA), Robin Hines, joined the High School Scoreboard Show on Friday night to discuss the potential of NIL making its way into the high school ranks.
"NIL is not pay-for-play," Hines reiterated about the legislation he is suggesting for Georgia high school athletes. "It's built on the premise that every individual -- (whether that is) me, you, students, or whatever -- owns their own name, image, and likeness."
This decision wouldn't disturb as much as some would think, according to Hines. Their amateur status would change, but he goes on to explain that recruitment would still be illegal under GHSA policy and that "collectives" would be unable to exist with this policy.
"But even in division one, the average NIL event would be about $60," Hines said. "People get caught up and with what [Alabama quarterback] Bryce Young got, [Oregon quarterback] Bo Nix, [Texas quarterback] Arch Manning, or those guys. That's abnormal and I don't anticipate that happening at all."
Listen to Robin Hines' full comments on NIL in Georgia high school sports in the clip above, and his full interview with the High School Scoreboard Show in the clip below.