The decision allows all students under the OHSAA’s governance to pursue NIL opportunities, effective immediately and lasting until a preliminary injunction hearing scheduled for December 15. The ruling comes after a lawsuit was filed last week by the family of Jamier Brown, a top-ranked junior wide receiver and Ohio State commit, arguing the ban unjustly restricts student-athletes’ economic rights and puts Ohio behind the majority of states.
Aligning with National Policy
In her ruling, Judge Page highlighted that granting the temporary order would “align this state’s policies for high school students with a majority of the other states across the country,” noting that Ohio is one of only a handful of states that still prohibit high school NIL deals. The court also found that the ban likely violates arguments related to equal protection and due process of law.
Attorneys for the Brown family stated that their client has missed out on potential NIL deals valued at over $100,000. “This is a significant ruling not only for Jamier but high school athletes across the state of Ohio,” said attorney Luke Fedlam.
OHSAA Prepares Next Steps
The OHSAA had previously planned to put a new NIL proposal to a vote by member schools in May, but the legal action is expected to accelerate that timeline.
In a prepared statement, OHSAA Spokesperson Tim Stried acknowledged the ruling, saying, “The OHSAA anticipated the judge making an initial ruling today on the NIL lawsuit to set the timeline moving forward.” The association is set to release further details to its member schools and the public on Tuesday regarding the immediate next steps and implications of the temporary order.
The temporary restraining order marks a major turning point for high school sports in the state, potentially opening up significant commercial opportunities for student-athletes while the legal battle over the OHSAA’s permanent policy continues.