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Gene Smith Testifies in Favor of Federal NIL Legislation, Says Recruits “Asking for $5,000 Just to Visit Has Become Common”

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Gene Smith took his push for federal NIL legislation to Washington, D.C. on Wednesday morning.

The Ohio State athletic director was among the participants in a hearing held Wednesday by the House Committee on Small Business examining the impact athletes being able to make money off of their name, image and likeness has had on college sports. In his testimony, Smith said he believes “Congress needs to enact NIL legislation as soon as possible.”

Smith said he believes a federal NIL law should include “a national NIL standard so there is consistency across the country to ensure a level playing field,” required registration for NIL agents, standardized NIL contracts, prohibition of recruiting inducements, a public NIL registry “that brings transparency to the marketplace” and strong enforcement measures.