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Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Amateur Hour Is Over: College Athletes Can Get Paid by Schools
Good morning and welcome to another edition of Free Agent! Hold onto your buckets and your babies—this might be a wild ride. College sports is officially entering a new era. Amateurism is over and professionalism is (mostly) here. Athletes can officially get paid directly by their schools without a workaround involving boosters or a name, image, and likeness (NIL) collective. Instead of our usual format, the newsletter this week is focused on this monumental change. Advertisement But first, I want to thank everyone who voted in our survey last week about who you're rooting for in the NBA and NHL finals. Free Agent readership was surprisingly evenly split in both series. Shoutout to the fan who said "Seattle kid. Anyone but Thunder." You'll have your team soon, I'm sure. As for hockey, I was amused by this response: "I want Ron Desantis to have more Stanley Cups than Canada." Three down, 40 to go. Locker Room Links A New Era of College Sports Late on Friday, a federal judge gave final approval to a settlement in House v. NCAA, bringing to an end three antitrust cases against the NCAA and power conferences. It's a huge change: Starting July 1, college sports will spend a decade (at least) in a revenue-sharing system, with schools directly paying athletes for their NIL. Next school year athletic departments will be allowed to pay a combined $20.5 million to athletes across all their sports, with the number rising in the future. (The NCAA and power conferences will also pay almost $2.8 billion in damages to athletes who, dating back to 2016, weren't allowed to sign NIL deals.) Advertisement I talked to Mit Winter, an NIL attorney at Kennyhertz Perry, about how all of this is going to work. Hopefully this answers all the questions you might have about the new system, although a lot of it is still in limbo. I've been following this closely and I still learned a lot from our conversation. If you have lingering questions, email me at freeagent@ and I'll try to figure out an answer for you. Q: With final approval of the House settlement, colleges will be able to directly pay athletes for the first time. Give us a brief breakdown of how these payments are going to work. A: Looking forward for college athletics, schools will be able to directly pay their athletes NIL compensation. So they are actively entering into contracts now with their athletes that spell out, "All right, here's how much we are going to pay you for the use of your NIL in various ways." That's obviously a change from how things have worked in the past in college athletics where the cardinal rule was, "Schools, you cannot pay your athletes." Q: But the athletes still aren't technically employees, so that's causing some other complications, right? A: Correct, they're not currently considered employees. These agreements they're entering into with schools are just NIL licensing agreements. Sometimes they include a services component as well, where the athlete might make appearances or sign autographs or something like that. Advertisement Q: But there are some new restrictions on outside NIL deals with boosters? A: In addition to now allowing schools to directly pay their athletes, the House settlement also contains some new rules around deals athletes can do with NIL collectives and boosters. Athletes will have to disclose to a new clearinghouse entity called the College Sports Commission all third-party NIL deals they do. The College Sports Commission is contracted with Deloitte to do this review process of all of the deals. If an athlete submits a third-party NIL deal and it's determined that the deal is with an associated [to the school] entity or individual, then there's a couple of extra layers of review of that deal. First, the deal has to be for a valid business purpose. Once that determination is made, then the next overview Deloitte will be performing is, "Okay, is the amount being paid to the athlete within what's being called an appropriate range of compensation for the services being provided by this specific athlete?" But if Deloitte determines either the deal's not for a valid business purpose, like they think it's just a "pay-for-play" booster deal in disguise, or if the amount of compensation being provided to the athlete is not within the appropriate range of compensation, then Deloitte will notify the College Sports Commission that, "Hey, there's a problem with this deal." Then at that point it's up to the College Sports Commission to say, "All right, athlete, you can go ahead and do this deal if you want to, but you might be ineligible to participate in college athletics." Advertisement Q: Some believe this might lead to the old ways of under-the-table payments and recruiting violations. A: It's a definite possibility because the amount of NIL compensation that schools could pay their athletes is going to be capped at, for the first year, $20.5 million for the entire year for all of the school's athletes, so not just the football team. And there are some football teams making well over $20 million in NIL compensation from booster and collective deals for this upcoming season. So you can see if you have a football team right now taking $30 million, and then in the future, the cap for all of the school's athletes is going to be $20.5 million, there's obviously a $10 million gap right there, that if you can't do it through legitimate deals, third-party NIL deals and Deloitte is shooting down all these third-party deals, that's when you might go back to under-the-table payments from boosters to win recruiting battles or keep a guy at a school. Q: Talk to us about this from the conference level. A: Every Division I school, no matter what your athletics revenue is, you're going to be able to pay [athletes] up to $20.5 million. That money can come from any source that the university can use to find that money. Obviously, it's going to be easier to come up with that money for some Division I schools than others. Big Ten and SEC schools might have the easiest time just because the amount of TV revenue those conferences receive and then distribute out to their members is higher than any other conference, including the Big 12 and the ACC. But schools, they're going to be heavily reliant on donors for sure, but then there are other potential strategies they're going to use. Advertisement There's a lot of talk about private equity or private capital that some schools might access. There are businesses out there that are very heavily focused now on helping schools generate revenue through different types of creative partnerships, so it's going to be all over the map in terms of how schools are trying to come up with this new $20.5 million. And then you'll have some schools that will cut staff. Some have already cut staff, including Oklahoma, who's an SEC school, obviously, so they've cut staff. You've had some schools announce they are dropping a few sports, like tennis programs have been dropped in some places, swim and dive teams. So it's going to vary from school to school on how they come up with this money. Q: Now, back to the athletes themselves, there are no changes to the transfer system, right? Athletes are still kind of on these one-year contracts, with a fair amount of ability to move at will? A: Yes, correct. The transfer rules are going to stay the same, they're not affected by the House settlement at all. Although schools and conferences would love to be able to put some more transfer restrictions back in place and they're hopeful that Congress will pass a law that gives them an antitrust exemption that would then allow them to put some of those transfer rules back in place because courts have held right now that those transfer rules violate antitrust law. Some of the contracts that schools are entering into with their athletes, they have some provisions that are trying to prevent as much movement as there has been, like buyouts and clawbacks and things like that. [It] remains to be seen whether those will be effective or not in limiting movement, so we'll just have to see how that plays out. Advertisement Q: There are already some lawsuits challenging the current NCAA eligibility rules, but what lawsuits are coming next, or are already in play after the House settlement? A: A big one's going to be Title IX. There will be a lot of Title IX lawsuits, because as we talked about earlier, [schools] will be able to pay out $20.5 million to their athletes, and most schools are planning on paying out, at least if you are a [Power Four] school with a football team, are paying out 75 percent to 80 percent of that $20 million to the football team, around 15 percent to the men's basketball team, maybe 5 percent to the women's basketball team, and then 5 percent to other sports, which might be softball, baseball, whatever other sport a school chooses—85 percent to 90 percent of that $20 million is going to go to male athletes. Some people think that's not in compliance with Title IX, other people think it is. It's a gray area right now, there's no black-and-white law. That will be litigated probably in lots of places and there will be probably lots of lawsuits filed against schools on that issue. I also think we will see some litigation related to the salary cap, because it was not agreed to by a player's association where, like in pro sports, the salary caps and things like that are collectively bargained with a players association, which makes them exempt from antitrust law. But this salary cap in college athletics is not going to be exempt from antitrust law. So future college athletes coming into college athletics will be able to bring damages, lawsuits, challenging that salary cap, so I think we'll definitely see some of that. I think we'll probably see some more employment litigation for determination that college athletes are employees. There's already one big case pending on that issue called the Johnson v. NCAA case in federal court. It said college athletes can be employees, it didn't say they are. It said, "They can, and here's the test to determine whether they are." That was an appellate court, it's now down at the trial court level to actually make that determination. But I definitely think we'll see some more of that litigation, especially now that you have the schools contracting with athletes. It potentially makes that employment argument stronger than it was before. Advertisement This interview has been condensed and edited for style and clarity. Replay of the Week Lots of great candidates this week that you've probably already seen, like the Tyrese Haliburton game-winner, a brawl in the Stanley Cup Finals, and perhaps the best home run robbery you'll ever see (the A's still lost). But here's a wild golf shot you probably missed (and that wasn't even the craziest golf shot this weekend). That's all for this week. Enjoy watching the real game of the weekend, the UFL championship game featuring the D.C. Defenders against the Michigan Panthers (Saturday, 8 P.M., on FOX). Many are calling it the Jason Bowl due to my dual loyalties. 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Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Boater Freedom Act takes effect July 1, easing inspections for Florida boaters
'Boating in Florida will soon be more enjoyable with new liberties on the water thanks to the new Boater Freedom Act.' Gov. Ron Desantis signed the act into law on Monday. The law limits law enforcement agencies to conducting random boat inspections. It passed with majority support from lawmakers and officially starts July 1. Boaters, like Adam Pollett, is ready to bet out on the water feeling a bit relaxed. 'I can sit back and have a cigar and just get out there and fish,' he said. 'Everything else doesn't matter.' But he does worry that this could lead to people not being a safe as they should be. Some critics fear it could also harm the ecosystem, which they say is already fragile. According to the FWC, Florida had more than one million registered vessels last year. Now those boaters are gaining more freedom. Dsantis said the law is a win win for both boaters and law enforcement. 'I think by this legislation protecting you against suspicion less searches,' DeSantis said. 'it actually will be a better allocation of resources, not just for FWC, but also for the other local law enforcement agencies who are really important in keeping our people safe.' Freedom Boat Club Boat Capt. Charles Beardsley said safety is key, especially with the new law. In Florida, boats need specific safety equipment depending on their size and use. The vital items are: personal flotation devices, fire extinguishers, visual distress signals, and sound-producing devices. 'And remember everything slow is pro,' Beardsley said. 'You don't want to be speeding out there, especially if you are approaching another boat or dock. Go slow.' 'And you need to make sure you are properly trained. You won't know if you are doing something wrong if you aren't properly trained. ' The law includes a new inspection decal program. Now, when registering your boats, you will receive a decal as long as you pass a safety and sanitation inspection. It also prevents state and local officials from restricting the sale or use of boats based on energy source. 'That all sound great to me,' said Pollett. 'Good job.' The Boater Freedom Act take effect July 1. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
Yahoo
17-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Officials react to shooting at Florida State University
For live updates on the shooting at Florida State University, click here. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< Florida Governor Ron Desantis: Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters: 'Although we are not in the same city, the Jacksonville community is deeply connected to Florida State University. The men and women of JSO stand with the FSU shooting victims, students, teachers, administrators, and loved ones. This incident of senseless violence, a tragedy for all Floridians, cries out for justice. As our law enforcement colleagues conduct their investigation, our agency stands ready to support and assist.' University of North Florida President Dr. Moez Limayem: Dear Osprey Community, Our hearts go out to the Florida State University community as they navigate the tragic events at their student union today. Many of us have family, friends and colleagues who attend or work at FSU. I urge you to offer your support and check on them during this difficult time. I reached out to FSU President McCullough to assure him we are here to help the FSU community in any way we can. UNF counseling services are available for anyone who needs assistance. Student resources are available through the Dean of Students Office Care Services and additional resources for faculty and staff are available through UNF's Employee Assistance Program. University of Florida President Kent Fuchs: Watch: Former Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry said his son, who attends FSU, is safe in wake of shooting Florida House Speaker Daniel Perez: FSU College Democrats: 'As authorities continue to release information, College Democrats extends our deepest sympathies to the victims, their families, and every member of the FSU student body, faculty, and the Tallahassee community who has been impacted by today's senseless tragedy. We share in your feelings of fear, grief, and disbelief. FSU College Democrats and UF College Democrats are immensely grateful for all first responders who responded bravely in the face of grave danger. Their heroic actions certainly saved lives today. We are relieved to hear that the all-clear has been given. Our thoughts remain with the entire FSU community at this time. Even as we process today's events, we firmly resolve that no student should ever have to experience fear like this on their campus. This is not normal; this is not acceptable.' Watch: Action News Jax's Jake Stofan speaks with FSU student from Fleming Island as they sheltered in place Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live.
Yahoo
22-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Immigration Attorney explains how Florida's policies foster fear and uncertainty for residents
Over the last few months, Florida has become a battleground for anti-immigration policies, using fear-mongering tactics to justify severe legal measures. The messages surrounding immigration law messaging have led to an atmosphere of suspicion and anxiety, not just among undocumented individuals but also among legal residents, businesses, and mixed-status families. Many immigrants—documented and undocumented also—now live in fear of racial profiling, wrongful detainment, and family separations. I think there is increased enforcement, but I don't think just because you're walking down the street, you're at risk of immigration detaining you or law enforcement stopping you,' said Frank Symphorien-Saavedra, Board-Certified Attorney and Expert in Immigration and Nationality Law. The immigration laws have created an environment of uncertainty. Immigration legal experts stress that knowledge and preparation are the best defenses. Residents, regardless of status should stay informed, seek legal counsel, and avoid making decisions out of fear. This comes as the state has pushed to take matters into its own hands by expanding state-level enforcement and working closely with ICE. In February, Governor Ron Desantis enacted immigration laws SB 2-C and SB 4-C, increasing stricter immigration impacts. The future of immigration laws in Florida is uncertain but volatile. Several key factors will shape the landscape in the coming years. 1. Legal Challenges and Federal Pushback: Like challenging SB 1718 in court, arguing that it violates constitutional rights and federal authority over immigration laws. 2. Economic Consequences May Force Change: The state's agriculture, construction, and service industries could struggle to fill positions, forcing businesses and policymakers to reconsider policies if the state economy takes a hit. 3. Continued Fear and Displacement: If policies remain harsh, the state could see a long-term decline in its immigrant workforce, further damaging industries that rely on them. Families may want to leave. Regardless of immigration status, all Floridians should stay informed and proactive. Symphorien-Saavedra emphasizes the importance of knowing your rights and taking proactive steps to ensure safety. Know Your Legal Status – If you are a resident or undocumented, consult an immigration attorney to assess whether you qualify for any relief, such as asylum, DACA, or a green card. Carry Proper Documentation – For legal residents, carrying proof of residency can prevent unnecessary detainment. Undocumented individuals should know their rights if stopped by law enforcement. Understand the 'Show Me Your Papers' Mentality – SB 1718 does not allow local police to randomly demand proof of immigration status. It does increase collaboration between local authorities and federal immigration enforcement. Knowing how to handle interactions with law enforcement is critical. Avoid Self-Incrimination – If approached by law enforcement or immigration officers, do not volunteer information about your immigration status. Instead, request an attorney and exercise the right to remain silent. Stay Informed and Not Afraid – Community organizations offer workshops, legal aid, and resources to help individuals understand the law. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
Yahoo
06-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Florida approves conservation of more than 1500 acres of land in Putnam County
Governor Ron Desantis and the Florida Cabinet approved the protection of 34,595 acres of conservation lands Wednesday. The preservation of these lands was largely possible through the Florida Forever Program. That includes a local parcel in Putnam County. 1,541 acres were acquired within the Etoniah-Cross Florida Greenway Florida Forever Project. It will connect the Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway with other conservation lands within the Florida Wildlife Corridor. The state says it will also protect key surface water and aquifer recharge areas that flow into the Ocklawaha and St. Johns Rivers. This land is home to several threatened and endangered species, including Florida black bears, gopher tortoises, sandhill cranes and swallow-tailed kites. 'The natural beauty of Florida enriches the lives of all who call it home, and I thank Governor DeSantis and the Florida Cabinet for their leadership in protecting our state's environment for future generations,' said Florida Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Alexis A. Lambert. Read: Conservationists obtain coastal land in Crescent Beach, preserve the habitat forever Other land acquisitions announced today are listed below: 21,625 acres within the Waccasassa Watershed Florida Forever Project in Levy County 7,548 acre conservation easement within the Ranch Reserve Forest Florida Forever Project in Osceola County A combined 3,881-acres within the Caloosahatchee-Big Cypress Corridor in Collier and Hendry counties Two of these properties are within the Caloosahatchee-Big Cypress Corridor, reinforcing critical Everglades and Florida panther habitat. Related: The endangered Florida panther faces the dual threats of urban sprawl and increased traffic 'Conservation Florida thanks Governor DeSantis, the Cabinet, the Department of Agriculture, and the Department of Environmental Protection for continuing to advance critical land acquisitions to protect the Florida Wildlife Corridor and both our wild and agricultural landscapes,' said Traci Deen, President and CEO of Conservation Florida. 'The approval of these land deals supports endangered wildlife, safeguards vital water resources, and helps preserve Florida's rich agricultural heritage, all while strengthening local rural economies and conserving green spaces. Today marks another major win for land conservation and protecting the places that keep Florida wild.' [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live.
