Dan Mullen on Miami Hurricanes Name, Image and Likeness Agreement: “Is This Legal?”

HOOVER, Alabama – Florida Gators coach Dan Mullen, like everyone in varsity track and field, is always trying to understand the logistics and legality of players making money through their name, image, and reputation. resemblance.

Including what’s going on elsewhere in the state.

In a small rally with local reporters on Monday during SEC Media Days, Mullen was asked about a mixed martial arts gym owned by a Miami athletics fan offering $ 500 a month to each scholarship player in the United States. Hurricanes. Mullen answered the question with a question of his own.

“Is this legal? Mullen said.

Mullen said the idea sounds good… if the plan follows state law. If so, Mullen seemed optimistic that something similar could happen with the Gators.

“I think if that’s the case, obviously there will be a lot of support from the Gators and there (are) people to do it,” Mullen said. “My biggest problem is how do we make sure this is legal? … I don’t need to end up in jail for breaking rules we aren’t even sure we break.

State law prohibits schools from paying players directly. Support entities cannot either. Neither can an “officer, director or employee” of a supporting organization. Players should also receive “market value” for things like autograph signing, dating and sponsored social media posts.

The Gators name, image, and likeness policy specifically prohibits boosters from paying players (or arranging payment for them). But different institutions can interpret the laws differently, for example if a flat rate for each player is a “market value”. Mullen describes the big picture as “a big learning curve”.

“I’m talking to my finance team to make sure we stay within those limits,” Mullen said, “but let’s make sure we take advantage of the different laws that are in place.”

COVID-19 Update

Mullen declined to give details, but said a “fairly high number” of players have received coronavirus shots. Mullen was vaccinated this spring.

SEC commissioner Greg Sankey has been pushing for players, fans, coaches and staff to receive the vaccine, with just six of the league’s 14 teams having at least 80% of their players immune.

“This number has to grow and grow quickly,” Sankey said. “… With six weeks to go, it is now time to ask for this full vaccination. “

Matches won’t be rescheduled this year if teams don’t have enough players available, Sankey said, so forfeits are a possibility.

Lightning cry

Mullen made headlines last year for saying he wanted to pack the swamp as the coronavirus pandemic raged across the country. So it’s probably no surprise that he’s ready for college football stadiums to return to full capacity this fall. He illustrated his point on Monday by referring to the Lightning championship race.

“You look at the things that are going on with the Stanley Cup winning Lightning and the energy in the stadium, and you realize how much you missed it,” Mullen said.

Tips

LSU coach Ed Orgeron has said he believes Myles Brennan and Max Johnson are both “league quarterbacks” in the mix to win the starting position. Johnson, the son of former Bucs quarterback Brad Johnson, led the Tigers to a surprise UF victory last year, while Brennan was a leading signing in 2017.

Former Clearwater High star Robert Margalis will be inducted into Georgia’s Circle of Honor. The 2003 SEC Swimmer of the Year won an NCAA title in the 400 IM. He will be recognized on October 2 during the Bulldogs game against Arkansas.

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