Why Rutgers’ Charismatic Star Omoruyi—and 20,000 Other College Athletes—Are Ineligible for NIL Money

Jose Linares is quoted in this ROI-NJ article discussing the exclusion of students on F-1 visas from earning money from their name, image, and likeness due to the Patriot Act. “While I understand the intent of the law surrounding F-1 visas, the application of that law, as written, to F-1 visa foreign-born athletes creates a discriminatory environment where these athletes are precluded from receiving the same benefits under NIL as non F-1 visa athletes,” notes Jose Linares. “This unintended result discriminates against these athletes (who are often the most financially challenged and thus most needy of the financial benefits of NIL) in a way that was never intended, foreseen or justified. This unintended consequence needs to be remedied.”