LANSING, Mich., (WPBN/WGTU) — Michigan lawmakers are advancing a bill aimed at safeguarding college athletes’ rights to earn money from their name, image, and likeness (NIL). The proposed legislation, House Bill 4643, seeks to prevent the NCAA and other organizations from capping the earnings of student-athletes in Michigan through NIL deals.

Tom Dieters, a former Michigan State University baseball player and current president of Charitable Gift America, emphasized the importance of the bill. “Right now, the schools are breaking the laws in the state of Michigan because they are limiting kids on what they can earn,” he said. “Our bill says there is no limit. They can earn whatever the free market will bear.”

The bill, introduced by Democratic Representative Joe Tate, a former MSU football player, also aims to ensure that student-athletes are not required to publicly disclose their NIL earnings and prohibits the NCAA from penalizing Michigan schools or athletes involved in NIL deals.

Dieters highlighted the potential competitive advantage the bill could provide Michigan schools in recruiting. “Quite frankly, it gives our schools a big recruiting advantage over the competitors in the same league because they do have that opportunity,” he said.

Anika Dy, a former University of Michigan golfer, shared her perspective on the impact of NIL. “It’s an awesome opportunity to help financial situations and then also alleviate some stress, which can help you play better honestly and do better in school,” she said.

Supporters of the bill argue that it is not only about fairness but also about state sovereignty, allowing Michigan to set its own rules and give its schools a recruiting edge. “This bill is not just about the players. It’s also about states’ rights. The state of Michigan can be a leader here,” Dieters said.

The bill was referred to the Committee on Regulatory Reform, and its progress will be closely monitored.

Alabama Crimson Tide suddenly caught looking up at oil-driven NIL powerhouse in race for top overall 2027 recruit originally appeared on A to Z Sports.

The recruiting world has been kind to Kalen DeBoer and the Alabama Crimson Tide, as the program is close to ranking in the top spot for the 2026 class. Of course, there’s time for flips to happen and development to change boards, but the Tide are on a hot streak when it comes to pitching their blueblood status.

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The 2027 class is also getting its time in the spotlight, and the top overall recruit has had Alabama fighting for his top spot until a behemoth emerged. Five-star edge rusher LaDamion Guyton has gone from an Alabama toss-up to the backseat in this race.

That unexpected force is Texas Tech, which has turned into a monstrous presence on the recruiting trail with arguably the deepest pockets in college sports. Just recently, On3 reported that Lubbock is going hard for the No. 1 prospect.

“Guyton, a top target for Georgia and South Carolina in the 2027 cycle out of Savannah (Ga.) Benedictine, soaked up the sights and sounds of Lubbock in June. The Red Raiders have been trending in the right direction with the five-star target ever since.”

The new revenue sharing model is having effects on how teams offer structured deals, and Alabama is falling in line with what Texas and Ohio State has had to adapt. They can’t simply outspend every program because they have multiple successful programs within their athletic department, and a deep roster to retain.

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Not even two months ago, On3 reported that Alabama was facing off against Georgia for the elite prospect.

“Georgia was the first to offer the coveted in-state prospect in June 2023, and they remain the program setting the pace in this recruitment. Guyton has visited Athens numerous times, including this past weekend. Alabama, Auburn, Oregon, USC, South Carolina, Tennessee, LSU and Miami are some of the other programs that have extended a scholarship and working to gain traction. Guyton tells Simmons visits will pick back up during the season.”

It’s possible an in-person trip to Alabama can swing things this fall. Their gameday experience in Tuscaloosa is excellent, and DeBoer’s staff has repeatedly sold a family-like environment successfully. It’s a huge reason why Alabama has excelled despite facing some of the same issues Oregon does, but the Tide haven’t slid back.

Will Guyton prioritize the start-up situation in Lubbock for a massive payday, or can Alabama claw its way back in? We’ll be monitoring throughout this season.

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This story was originally reported by A to Z Sports on Jul 9, 2025, where it first appeared.

Flyers competitive gymnasts recently competed in the Lucky Stars Invitational at Jamestown Community College.

The Flyers Xcel Platinum team captured a fifth-place team banner. At Xcel Diamond, Anelia Pitts took the top spot on the podium with a 36.5 all-around gold. She also grabbed first in bars (9.15), second on beam (9.225) and first on floor (9.425). Level 3 Anna Thompson took second all-around (36.125). She also claimed second in vault (9.0) and first on beam (9.65). Grabbing third all-around at Xcel Gold was Cassidy Dubois (36.10). She also placed third on beam (9.35).

Capturing top 3 on vault were Xcel Diamond Elayna Pitts, third, 8.85; Xcel Platinum Kennedy Lynn, second, 9.4; Xcel Gold Erinn Sluga third, 9.0; and Level 2 Leilah Walters, third, 9.1. Earning top 3 on bars were Xcel Gold’s Addison O’Connor, third, 8.925 and Gabriella Chapman, second, 9.25; and Level 5 McKenna Hart, second,9.35. Top 3 on beam were Xcel Diamond Elayna Pitts third, 9.05, Xcel Platinum Lilli Webster, second, 9.4, and Xcel Gold Cassidy Dubois, third, 9.35; Level 5 Evelyn Miller, second, 9.225, and Level 4 Sloane Siggins, third, 9.175. Grabbing top 3 on floor were Xcel Gold Erinn Sluga, first, 9.55, and Level 5’s McKenna Hart, third, 9.3, and Evelyn Miller, first, 9.575.

Flyers gymnasts also recently traveled to Philadelphia for the PINK Gymnastics Invitational. Thousands of gymnasts were in attendance and featured a lot of tough competition. As part of their participation, Flyers gymnasts raised funds towards breast cancer awareness.

Kennedy Lynn captured first place all-around with a 37.075 that included first on vault (9.15), first on bars (9.475), second on beam (9.05) and third on floor (9.4). Xcel Diamond Seniors Elayna Pitts and Mia Volpe captured top 3 all-around spots. Pitts was third on vault (8.65), first on beam (9.45), second on floor (9.2), and second all-around (35.6). Volpe was first on vault (8.7), third on beam (8.925) and third all-around (35.075).