Name, image and likeness (NIL) deals have completely revolutionized collegiate athletics, but the NCAA is finally starting to crack down and check in on some of these deals. The intent of NIL is to allow players to earn money off of the brand they have created for themselves, however, it has quickly turned into what appears to be free agency and bidding wars for high school recruits.
This week, Miami Hurricanes’ well-known donor, John Ruiz, has been the subject of NCAA attention for his NIL deals. Ruiz has a net worth well into the billions and is capable of changing the landscape of college sports. According to Sports Illustrated, the NCAA has had staff members “spend at least two days in Miami prying into NIL deals” while interviewing Ruiz and others. Ruiz described the conversation with the NCAA as not so much an investigation, but rather an interview.
So what does this potential NIL crackdown mean for Miami, The University of Alabama and college sports in general?