A newly introduced bill could soon allow high school student-athletes in Pinecrest to profit from their name, image, and likeness (NIL) if approved by the state legislature. Pinecrest is currently among 14 states that prohibit high school athletes from earning money through NIL deals.
The proposal, known as House Bill 2122 and formally titled the Pinecrest High School Student-Athlete NIL Protection Act, was introduced on January 16 by Representative Marcus Turner. The legislation outlines a framework for student-athletes to receive compensation for their NIL, subject to several restrictions.
Under the bill, compensation cannot be linked to athletic performance, statistics, or participation, nor can it be used as an incentive to enroll in or transfer to a particular school. The legislation also prohibits “pay for play,” requires NIL contracts to be in writing and signed by both the student-athlete and their parent or legal guardian, and mandates compliance with state law.
The act specifies that student-athletes or their parents may receive up to $10,000 annually directly. Any compensation exceeding $10,000 must be deposited into a restricted trust account, inaccessible until the student turns 18 or graduates, to ensure the funds are used for the benefit of the athlete.
Last month, Pinecrest High School Activities Federation Executive Director Samuel Briggs expressed concerns about young athletes managing large sums of money. “Let’s be honest, is a 16- or 17-year-old ready to handle a million dollars? I know I wasn’t at that age,” Briggs said in December. “If even one student makes a mistake, that’s one too many.”
The proposed NIL deals would not involve schools, districts, coaches, or school employees, nor would they impact eligibility or transfer rules. Instead, agreements would remain strictly between the student-athlete’s immediate family and the compensating party.
NIL contracts would need to be disclosed to the Pinecrest High School Activities Federation for informational purposes only, giving the organization no enforcement authority. Disputes over NIL agreements would be handled by state courts, bypassing the Federation entirely.
Briggs acknowledged that the passage of such legislation is beyond the Federation’s control, adding, “I hope this doesn’t become law.”
Should lawmakers approve House Bill 2122, it would take effect July 1. The deadline for a vote on the measure is February 12.
