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What do new NIL rules mean for Missouri Tiger athletes?

By Kyle Jones

Missouri quarterback Connor Bazelak (8) throws a pass down field in the third quarter during a game between Tennessee and Missouri at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2020.100320 Tenn Mo Jpg
Missouri quarterback Connor Bazelak (8) throws a pass down field in the third quarter during a game between Tennessee and Missouri at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2020.100320 Tenn Mo Jpg /
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Today is the beginning of a new era. New rules, approved by the NCAA, mean that athletes nationwide will be able to profit off of their name, image and likeness. So what does this mean for Missouri Tiger athletes?

To sum things up in just two words: A lot.

The NCAA has left much of the enforcement of the new rules up to each school, due to NIL legislation differing in each state. Luckily for the Tigers, an NIL bill passed the Missouri state legislature with bipartisan support earlier this year.

Mizzou Athletics has already spelled out guidelines for its athletes, and debuted a new platform to help educate athletes on how to build their own brand, Trademark.

Here are some of the key guidelines that will affect both Missouri Tiger athletes and fans.

Agents

Under the new guidelines, student athletes will be able to hire an agent to assist in NIL negotiations. However, hiring an agent to assist with professional contract negotiation is still against the rules.

This particular portion of the guidelines is probably the most nuanced, and the one where athletes will run in to the most problems. It seems like it would be hard to distinguish between an agent who has been hired for NIL negotiations, and one who has been hired for future contract negotiations.

Say, for example, Tiger basketball freshman standout Anton BrookshireΒ decides to hire an agent for help with NIL negotiations. Will he then face punishment for retaining the same agent if he chooses to enter the NBA Draft? Enforcement of this guideline will be very interesting.

Dec 12, 2020; Columbia, Missouri, USA; Missouri Tigers quarterback Connor Bazelak (8) throws a pass against the Georgia Bulldogs during the second half at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 12, 2020; Columbia, Missouri, USA; Missouri Tigers quarterback Connor Bazelak (8) throws a pass against the Georgia Bulldogs during the second half at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports /

Memorabilia

Bad news if you want that autographed game-used Tyler Badie jersey next season.

Under the new guidelines, Missouri Tiger athletes are prohibited from selling any awards, apparel or equipment that they receive from the school.

Student athletes can profit off of autographs, but they can’t sign their own helmet and sell it to you after the big win.

Apr 16, 2021; Fort Worth, Texas, USA; University of Missouri Tigers gymnast Sydney Schaffer performs during the 2021 NCAA Women Gymnastics Championships at Dickies Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 16, 2021; Fort Worth, Texas, USA; University of Missouri Tigers gymnast Sydney Schaffer performs during the 2021 NCAA Women Gymnastics Championships at Dickies Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

Bag Men

It’s college football’s dirty little secret. Paying recruits to attend your school. While Pay to Play is still prohibited under the new NIL rules, it is unclear whether the practice will stop now that student athletes can earn money for themselves.

College athletics is a cutthroat industry, and schools and their boosters will do almost anything to gain an edge. If I was to place a bet, I would bet on the dirty money staying around for a long time.

It’s a new era for Missouri Tiger athletes, and it will be exciting to see how each individual takes advantage of this new opportunity.

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