I'm Not Sold on Endorsement Deals for H.S. Athletes

We are potentially crossing a fine line.

I recently read where a high school athlete was able to use his name, image, and likeness in an endorsement deal. Most state high school athletic associations allow this under certain restrictions. The National Collegiate Athletic Association allowed such a thing for college athletes several years ago, and there are several collegiate athletic programs that rake in millions of dollars every year – so the players should get a share of that.

I remain noncommittal about high school athletes, however.

Part of me wants the kids to be compensated for their talents. There are countless stories of kids in other sectors making use of their gifts. And as we all know, athletics can have a short shelf life due to injury and other factors.

But the other part of me wants to maintain the sanctity of high school athletics.

Some might substitute the word “illusion” for “sanctity.” Perhaps I was just brought up in a different era. I kind of like the idea of playing in a Friday night high school football game and then meeting your girl and friends at the local malt shop.

I fear those days are long over, or coming to a close.

The concept of name, image, and likeness – NIL – is important for college athletes. It’s a bit murkier for high school athletes.

Perhaps there will come a time when all this will be accepted. Until then, I think I will cling to the innocence of high school competition.

Rich Thomaselli is a longtime sports reporter in the Hudson Valley, and currently covers Putnam County. He can be reached at rich.thomaselli@gmail.com.