Ralph testifies in legislative committee hearing
Ken Ralph, University of Maine athletics director, testified Jan. 25 before the Legislature’s Joint Standing Committee on Education & Cultural Affairs to express the strongest support for UMaine Division I student-athletes benefiting from their name, image and likeness (NIL), as is the intent of LD 1893, An Act Regarding the Use of a Student Athlete’s Name, Image, Likeness or Autograph.
A copy of his testimony is online.
Ralph noted that UMaine student-athletes control and can now monetize their personal NIL according to NCAA and conference rules, as well as university policies. The ability for UMaine student-athletes to derive an income from their name, image and likeness is also exciting and long overdue, he said.
“We are not opposed to a simple state law that makes clear college student-athletes at Maine colleges and universities can earn compensation from NIL, consistent with institutional, conference and other governing organization policies, and that those institutional policies must be posted on publicly accessible websites. Additionally, we fully support the rights of our student-athletes to retain representation in negotiating deals and understanding their legal and tax implications, and encourage them to do so,” Ralph said.
“However, other states that have moved too quickly to preempt NCAA guidelines and Congressional action have already begun repealing those laws, having realized they were more restrictive than what is finally allowed. As we work together to protect and promote this new tool for our student-athletes, let us not do the same here in Maine and unintentionally create confusion that jeopardizes eligibility and opportunity.”
Contact: Margaret Nagle, nagle@maine.edu