After a bill that would allow college athletes in Ohio to profit from their name, image or likeness became ensnared in Statehouse politics last week, Gov. Mike DeWine has taken the issue in his own hands. Statehouse correspondent Jo Ingles says he’s signed an executive order that would do the same thing.
Ohio State University lobbied hard for the bill that would allow players to enter contracts for payments from businesses. The popular bill became a political pawn as lawmakers attached controversial amendments to it. DeWine says he’s putting it in place via executive order because universities in at least seven other states that compete with Ohio State for players will have this in effect July 1st .
“Even if legislation is passed, it’s not going to take effect for 90 days so it is important to do this now.”
The bill, which had been nearly unanimously supported before a ban on trans athletes in women’s sports was added by the House, was also included in the budget that was unveiled less than an hour later.
