WASHINGTON, D.C.- On Tuesday, U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts, alongside Sen. Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut, introduced a bill that would allow international college athletes to make money off of their name, image, and likeness, which is not currently legal due to visa restrictions.

The bill, titled the Name, Image, and Likeness for International Collegiate Athletes Act, would amend the Immigration and Nationality Act with a clause specifically for college athletes using F Visas. If passed, the bill would make them "eligible for employment authorization for the purpose of engaging in activities pursuant to an endorsement contract for commercial use of the nonimmigrant's name, image, or likeness.

"It's a common-sense bill," said Ricketts, "Level the playing field for these international students that are playing American sports. It will also make sure our colleges don't lose talented student-athletes because of an outdated visa system." Trev Albert, Marcus Blossom, and Adrian Dowell, all athletic directors from across the state of Nebraska, expressed their support for the bill in a joint release.

For the full article click HERE