While the first week of July is usually a quiet time in college athletics, that isn’t the case in 2021. The NCAA announced that as of July 1, 2021 governance bodies across all three divisions had adopted an interim name, image, and likeness policy. The decision suspends all NIL rules for current and incoming student-athletes.
In short, the policy means: individuals can engage in NIL activities consistent with the law of the state where the school is located or consistent with an school or conference requirements and that student-athletes may use professional service providers for NIL activities. In the region among Virginia media, The Washington Post, Streaking The Lawn, and CBS 19 Charlottesville all shared content about frequent NIL questions.
Some UVA student-athletes immediately moved to take advantage of the NIL opportunities. In addition to Locker Room Access, a website founded by former players Ty Jerome and Justin Anderson, signing up Cavalier basketball players, Kihei Clark and ECU transfer Jayden Gardner posted on social media with other deals as well.
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Excited to be apart of the https://t.co/oUVwlfGBkP family. This season I’ll have a weekly blog checking in with YOU, the fans. Looking forward to joining @jakeweingarten’s @Stockrisers team.
— Jayden Gardner (@Jayy_Baller_1) July 1, 2021
Obviously, the policy change is a hot topic among fans across the college landscape. That’s no different on the message boards where Virginia fans discussed the NIL shift in numerous threads. From the football board and men’s basketball board, here are some threads with ongoing conversations.
- So with the new NIL in place for players, How will this affect Virginia Football? Good? Bad? Make very little difference? ~ Hoos4life
- As A former offensive lineman I would expect that I would receive no compensation from the NIL. ~ Wahoo62
- My quick thoughts to the NIL. ~ Ahmad
- Locker Room Access is now selling photos autographed by Kihei. ~ EmbraceThePace
- I believe the NIL concept will be a bust. How many Zions have we seen in college basketball over the last ten years? ~ 7thTruckCo
- Will UVA be willing to pay? Reading a few articles it seems like blue chip prospects are going to get very well compensated. ~ hoorulestheacc
It will be interesting to monitor how the NIL works for UVA student-athletes moving forward. In the meantime, let’s check out the rest of this week’s Fan Friday feature.
Fan(s) Of The Week
Forecast for Virginia fans – more good times ahead!
Student Fan(s) Of the Week
Having fun at the JPJ.
Feature Photo Of The Week
Anyone know what an NIL quidditch deal might be worth?
