TALLAHASSEE, Fl. (WTXL) — On Friday, Governor Ron DeSantis signed a bill that will allow college athletes in Florida to get paid for their image and likeness.
Florida State football players reacted Saturday during a unity walk hosted by the team. Marvin Wilson, a senior Seminole defensive tackle said, "I won't be able to get to experience it but just from the young guys talking about it. Like y'all are going to really able to provide for your families. That's huge for kids being able to get sports endorsements, different guys being able to make money in college, that's huge to be able to provide for their family."
The issue surrounding paying collegiate athletes has been a big topic in recent years, with universities and programs making money from their sports teams. Student-athletes won't be paid for playing, but they can earn money from endorsements. That is something DeSantis said is fair for any athlete.
Jaiden Lars-Woodbey, a defensive back for the Seminoles agrees with the governor. "This just goes to show how much impact and how much influence an athlete has, whether you're a football athlete, whether you're track, whether you're swim or basketball, it doesn't matter," explained Lars-Woodbey. "You're an athlete, you have an opinion, you have an impact. Being able to get paid from it, it just pays you dividends."
The law will go into effect July 1, 2021. It will also not impact scholarships or financial aid.
