Mother of top 2026 QB recruit sues N.C. over NIL rules

What you need to know

* The mother of a top 2026 quarterback recruit is suing the state of North Carolina over its NIL rules. * The lawsuit alleges that the rules violate the Equal Protection Clause of the U.S. Constitution. * The lawsuit is the latest in a series of legal challenges to NIL rules across the country.

The lawsuit

The lawsuit was filed in federal court in North Carolina on behalf of the mother of Jadon Perlotte, a top quarterback recruit in the class of 2026. The lawsuit alleges that the state's NIL rules violate the Equal Protection Clause of the U.S. Constitution because they discriminate against high school athletes who are not yet enrolled in college. The lawsuit argues that the NIL rules create a two-tiered system in which college athletes are allowed to profit from their NIL while high school athletes are not. This, the lawsuit argues, violates the Equal Protection Clause because it treats similarly situated individuals differently. The lawsuit also argues that the NIL rules violate the Commerce Clause of the U.S. Constitution because they interfere with interstate commerce. The lawsuit argues that the NIL rules make it more difficult for high school athletes to travel to other states to compete in tournaments and showcases.

The background

The lawsuit is the latest in a series of legal challenges to NIL rules across the country. In June 2021, the NCAA adopted a policy that allowed college athletes to profit from their NIL. However, many states have since adopted their own NIL rules, which vary from state to state. Some states, like California, have adopted NIL rules that are very permissive. Other states, like North Carolina, have adopted NIL rules that are more restrictive. The lawsuit is likely to be closely watched by other states that are considering adopting NIL rules. The outcome of the lawsuit could have a significant impact on the future of NIL in college athletics.

The conclusion

The lawsuit is a significant development in the ongoing debate over NIL in college athletics. The outcome of the lawsuit could have a major impact on the future of NIL in the state of North Carolina and beyond.