The Rose Bowl Institute Tackles NIL and Education

The Rose Bowl Institute Explores the Intersection of NIL and Education at Rose Table Dialogue

The private Rose Table Dialogue event around the DeWitt Family Rose Table discussed the ethics, sportsmanship, integrity, and diplomacy of modern-day amateur athletics.

PASADENA, CA – October 15, 2024 – On Tuesday, October 15th, 2024, the Rose Bowl Institute hosted its latest Rose Table Dialogue, bringing together leading voices from intercollegiate athletics, NIL, law, administrative oversight, compliance, and education to explore the complex issues surrounding the environment of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) vs. Education: Navigating the Future. This two-session private roundtable, held in the Charles E. Young Locker Room around the DeWitt Family Rose Table inside America’s Stadium, offered a unique opportunity for experts to discuss the challenges and opportunities surrounding NIL and its impact on student-athletes and universities alike.

Moderated by Chase Griffin, the current UCLA Quarterback and a prominent advocate for NIL rights, the event dialogue featured key thought leaders, including Brandon Copeland, a former NFL player and entrepreneur, Cardale Jones, founder of The Foundation (The Ohio State University’s prominent athletics collective), Lesley Feldman, co-founder and legal counsel of the Players Collective, and former Penn State and NFL Linebacker LaVar Arrington, and more. Participants discussed the evolving NIL landscape, its ethical and business influence on student-athlete recruitment and retention, and how to balance athletic compensation, integrity, and educational priorities as amateur athletics continue to evolve.

“The most important thing for athletes is being part of these conversations. We have a responsibility to build something that lasts beyond the game. NIL brings new opportunities, but it’s also about growing as individuals and being seen, both on and off the field,” said Justus Perry, a key participant in the dialogue speaking of her collegiate and professional softball experience.

John Mack, another contributor, emphasized the importance of character development alongside NIL opportunities:“The key for student-athletes is pairing NIL opportunities with career development to gain real-world experience. We must strike a sustainable balance where integrity, sportsmanship, and personal growth align with financial incentives. It’s not just about contracts—it’s about character and building a lasting future.”

“I’m honored to work with such an esteemed program to discuss the future of college athletics. It’s a unique opportunity to find solutions and perspectives that enhance the experience for both college athletes and the entire sports community.”said Chase Griffin, the dialogue's moderator.

The Rose Table Dialogue provides a private platform for an honest exchange of ideas and actionable solutions by thought leaders who visit the Rose Bowl Stadium from around the world. The outcomes of progressive NIL talks like these will be shared with broader audiences to help shape the national conversation on NIL, its impact on student-athletes, and the future of collegiate athletics.

For more information on the Rose Bowl Institute, including future Rose Table Dialogues, please emailrosebowlinstitute@rosebowlstadium.com.

Rose Table Dialogue: NIL vs. Education

Program Attendees:

• LaVar Arrington - Media & Business Mogul, Co-Host of Up On Game Podcast, Founder of Complete Athlete, Former NFL Linebacker
• Michael Cederbaum - VP Partner Development, Wescom Credit Union
• Brandon Copeland - Co-Founder of Athletes.org, 10-Year NFL Veteran
• Lesley Feldman - Founder and Legal Counsel of Players Collective
• Chase Griffin - UCLA Football Player, Moderator
• Lauren Hoselton - Founder and CEO of Total NIL, VP Marketing and Athlete Management at The Grove Collective
• Teresa Hudson - NIL Advisor, Educator, Labor & Employment Lawyer
• Cardale Jones - Founder, The Foundation at OSU NIL
• Dr. Mónica M. Lebrón - CEO, AD by Design
• John Mack - Ford Family Director of Athletics, Princeton University
• Matt Mauser - Singer, Songwriter, Entertainer
• Michelle Meyer - Founder of NIL Network
• Tracy Murray - Color Analyst, UCLA Men’s Basketball
• Cory Paus - Corporate Insurance Consultant, Former UCLA Quarterback
• Justus Perry - Pro Softball Player, Hub City Adelitas
• John Sciarra - 1976 Rose Bowl Game MVP, Former NFL and CFL Player, Entrepreneur
• Jayne Strand - Associate Regional Manager, Gatorade G Force West Region
• Pete Thuresson - Senior Vice President, JMIS Properties
• Walter Thurmond - Founder at United Champions for Change, Former NFL Athlete
• James Washington - President, Rose Bowl Institute

For a recap video and more highlights from the event, please [click here to download].

Photos from the event are available below to capture the engaging discussions and collaborative environment.