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Michigan lawmakers clear way for college athletes to get paid for their image

Posted at 4:29 AM, Dec 17, 2020
and last updated 2020-12-17 04:29:10-05

LANSING, Mich. — Lawmakers have given final approval to bills that would clear the way for college athletes to be paid for the use of their names, images or likeness rights — putting Michigan on the cusp of becoming the fourth state with such a law.

In-state schools, the NCAA and athletic conferences could not block student-athletes from being compensated under a bill that Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is expected to sign.

A second measure would no longer make it a crime for agents to enter into contracts with student-athletes.

The NCAA is drawing up new rules to let athletes become paid sponsors.