Jim Harbaugh knew the narrative surrounding the name, image, and likeness (NIL) rules and regulations prior to taking the head coaching gig for Michigan football. It wasn’t enough anymore for his athletes, who are risking life and limb, to play for just a scholarship. These young men saw the earning statements of EA sports and put an end to the massive money hoarding by company executives that saw not a dime in the athlete’s pockets despite video game characters mimicking their NIL. They wanted their cut.
There are billions of dollars out there for the taking and, up until a few years ago, only a small group of individuals were dipping their hands in the pot.