Plans for colleges to pay athletes directly for their name, image and likeness deals would run afoul of Title IX, the Department of Education said in guidance issued Thursday that adds more confusion to the shifting landscape in college sports.
The nine-page memo from the DOE’s Office for Civil Rights said NIL money that goes to athletes should be treated the same as athletic financial aid — i.e., scholarships. It's a position that, if it remains in place after president-elect Donald Trump takes office, could upend plans that many schools are making for next school year.
