The Rose Bowl Institute Tackles NIL and Education

Overview:

The Rose Bowl Institute recently hosted its latest Rose Table Dialogue, bringing together a diverse array of influential voices from intercollegiate athletics, Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL), law, administrative oversight, compliance, and education. The theme, "NIL vs. Education: Navigating the Future" focused on the intricate issues surrounding the evolving landscape of NIL and its implications for student-athletes and universities.

Moderated by UCLA quarterback Chase Griffin, a prominent advocate for NIL rights, the dialogue featured a distinguished lineup of thought leaders, including Brandon Copeland, a former NFL player and entrepreneur, and Cardale Jones, founder of The Foundation, Ohio State University’s well-known athletics collective. The group also included notable figures such as former Penn State and NFL linebacker LaVar Arrington, among others.

During the sessions, participants engaged in deep discussions about the rapidly evolving NIL landscape, exploring its ethical implications and business influences on student-athlete recruitment and retention. They examined how NIL affects not only the financial landscape for student-athletes but also the integrity of college athletics and the educational priorities of institutions. The dialogue aimed to identify strategies for maintaining a balance between athletic compensation and the core values of education, emphasizing the importance of upholding integrity within the framework of amateur athletics as it continues to evolve across the nation.

Through these discussions, the Rose Table Dialogue provided valuable insights and fostered a collaborative spirit among stakeholders, emphasizing the need for thoughtful approaches to navigate the complexities of NIL while ensuring that the educational experience of student-athletes remains a priority. This event highlighted the necessity for ongoing dialogue and innovative solutions in addressing the challenges posed by NIL, ultimately aiming to create a more equitable and sustainable environment for all involved in college sports.

Session I. Exploring the Concerns of NIL in Today’s Sports Landscape

In this session, we will examine the challenges and issues arising from the recent debates surrounding Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) in college sports. We’ll discuss how NIL impacts student-athletes, educational institutions, and the integrity of college athletics. Key topics will include equity, academic commitment, and the overall effects on the student-athlete experience.

Session II.  Lessons and Next Steps

Building on the discussions from our first session, this session will focus on the insights gained from the concerns raised about NIL. We will explore potential pathways forward, discussing strategies that can enhance the educational experience for student-athletes while navigating the complexities of NIL. Participants will collaborate to identify best practices and lessons from other sectors that can inform future developments in this evolving landscape.

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