Court Pressure and a Swift Pivot
The OHSAA reversal didn’t happen in a vacuum. In October, a Franklin County Court of Common Pleas judge granted the Browns a temporary restraining order, blocking the NIL ban and placing the association under intense scrutiny. The ruling effectively forced OHSAA’s hand, creating momentum for the eventual policy shift.
Before the vote, Ohio remained one of six states still prohibiting student-athletes from receiving NIL compensation. The bylaw change now aligns the state with the expanding national trend of loosening restrictions for young athletes navigating a new era of branding, endorsements and personal marketing.
Counsel for OHSAA did not immediately respond to requests for comment Thursday.
Brown is represented by Luke A. Fedlam of Amundsen Davis LLC.
The OHSAA is represented by Joseph A. Fraley of Pencheff & Fraley LPA.
