JEFFERSON CITY (KMOX) - Kansas City-area State Sen. Greg Razer is getting bi-partisan support for a bill to prevent Missouri colleges from punishing student-athletes who accept money for use of their name, image, likeness or "athletic reputation." Republican Rep. Travis Fitzwater welcomed Razer's amendment as part of his overall Elementary and Secondary Education bill, HB 320. Leaders of both parties in both houses of the legislature say they're working to get the measure across the goal line before the session ends next week.
Sen. Razer notes the Missouri Tigers have to compete for athletes in the super-competitive Southeastern Conference, where Alabama, Florida, Arkansas and Mississippi already permit athletes to cash in on their likeness and reputations. Georgia and South Carolina legislatures have also passed bills that await gubernatorial signatures.
While the student-athletes will be able to market themselves for money, the legislation does not allow them to use their position on the field or court to promote their sponsors. In other words, no sneaker deals and then wearing the shoes during college games.
Some believe the most common instance of student-athletes making money will not come from major sponsors and marketing agents. Players who appear in advertising for local businesses, like car dealers and restaurants, will likely be the most common situation where they can earn a little cash from their athletic prowess.
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