State of Florida considers allowing NIL deals for high school athletes

PENSACOLA, Fla. -- The game could be changing for Florida high school athletes.

Right now, the state is one of 16 that doesn't allow high schoolers to be paid for their "name, image and likeness" -- or NIL -- like college athletes are now able to do. But the Florida High School Athletic Association is considering changing that.

The FHSAA is asking the public for their opinion on NIL deals for high school athletes.

"There's a lot of people who are against NIL stuff in college and now probably in high school," said Josh Brown, a parent of a local athlete. "There's a lot of people who probably have an argument against it -- I have an argument for it."

Brown is the father of two boys, including one who is still in high school.

"I think what it would do is it would motivate him more," he said.

Brown says as a parent, he's excited about this prospect.

"I've watched some of these kids grow up from little league sports and now they're in high school," Brown said. "If they can make a couple dollars and get them a new car, they can help mom and dad out if they can do stuff for their family, that's what it's all about."

A bill regarding high school NIL deals is already being pushed in Alabama.

Danny Corte is the Executive Director of the Mobile Sports Authority. He says it's something to consider.

“As a traditionalist, I don't think any of us like it -- that's not how we were raised," Corte said. "We played high school sports a lot of the time for the love of your school, for the love of the game. But it's just something that has evolved."

Twenty-five other states already allow high school NIL deals. But there are strict rules -- including recruiting guidelines.

Many students have already benefitted from the deals, but there are others -- coaches, legislators and parents -- that have reservations. Their concerns include the impact on the sport, as well as the manipulation of the athletes.

Even Brown can see some negative possibilities.

"With everything, there's gonna be those people that try to take advantage of these kids," he said. "There will be people out there that try to lure them away from schools, that try to get them focused just on sports and not the academic side of things."

You can give your opinion through the FHSAA's survey here.