About a year ago the U.S. Supreme Court ruled it is legal for college athletes to make money off their name, image, and likeness. That ruling led to compensation for student-athletes at many schools including Eastern Kentucky University. In June, EKU Athletics Director Matt Roan said the Richmond school has been methodical and deliberate in setting up NIL opportunities.
“We can build educational systems. We can certainly make sure that from a reporting standpoint, procedurally, we’re square. And that we’re doing the things that first and foremost protect our student-athletes and their eligibility above all else,” said Roan.
Roan said he’s encouraged that a local collective has formed to benefit current EKU student-athletes in the appropriate way. He noted the organization has partnered with EKU to help institute compensation. Roan added he feels very confident in how the state, university, and athletics program have managed NIL. The Eastern A-D said some student-athletes are getting compensated to be associated with local brands and businesses, participating in various causes, and for general merchandise.
