University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) Chancellor Joanne Li, Ph.D., CFA, and Vice Chancellor / Director of Athletics Adrian Dowell shared the below update following the House v. NCAA settlement ruling: The recent court approval of the NCAA’s House settlement marks a historic shift in college athletics, with far-reaching impacts across the collegiate landscape, including […]
University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) Chancellor Joanne Li, Ph.D., CFA, and Vice Chancellor / Director of Athletics Adrian Dowell shared the below update following the House v. NCAA settlement ruling:
The recent court approval of the NCAA’s House settlement marks a historic shift in college athletics, with far-reaching impacts across the collegiate landscape, including the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO), and our peers in the Summit League and the National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC).
Although we welcome the approval and intent of the settlement, our mission remains to protect the interests of our current student-athletes while honoring UNO’s core values as we transition to a new era.
Over the past year, UNO launched Title IX and education-related benefits reviews while working with internal and external experts to develop strategies that position our athletic programs for long-term success at the Division I level.
As a result of this strategic planning, university leadership has decided that UNO will not opt in to the terms of the House settlement for the 2025-2026 academic year, but will position the department to opt-in in future years when necessary. This decision reflects a strategic approach to preserve our sport portfolio and roster flexibility, respond to evolving policies and legal shifts, and invest directly in Maverick student-athletes under current NCAA rules, laying the groundwork for a smooth transition in the future.
UNO’s plans for the 2025–2026 academic year, including rosters, operations, and financial benefits, are already firmly in place. Opting in at this stage would not change our implementation for the upcoming year. It would simply introduce new and unresolved variables at a time when clarity is critical, including:
Honoring Financial Commitments: UNO has finalized its rosters and delivered financial packages for student-athletes for the 2025–2026 academic year. This planning allowed us to leverage available NCAA mechanisms such as third-party NIL, education-related benefits (Alston awards), and cost-of-attendance stipends to enhance financial support within existing NCAA rules. Ironically, if we were to opt in, Alston awards would count as a form of revenue sharing toward the installed revenue sharing cap.
Title IX Considerations: Some peer institutions have decided to opt in as of late due to a recent change allowing schools to grandfather designated student athletes who otherwise would have lost their roster spots under the initial terms of the House settlement with impacts on enrollment and Title IX. However, UNO’s rosters are already closely aligned with the new limits based on our current sport portfolio, which allows us the flexibility to opt in when the time is right with minimal impact. We continue to follow expert guidance to ensure compliance and are confident in our ability to manage this transition strategically, including impacts on the university’s overall enrollment strategy.
Evolving Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) Oversight: Under the House framework, NIL agreements over $600 must go through a new review process led by consulting firm Deloitte and the College Sports Commission (CSC), a new enforcement entity created by and governed by the “Autonomous 4” conferences which operates outside of the purview of the NCAA. This entity has new oversight, enforcement authority, and oversees potential penalties for non-compliance, but many details remain unclear. This includes how “range of compensation” is specifically determined, and CSC’s enforcement philosophy and mechanism for the upcoming year. As of today, the specific costs associated with this operation are unknown even as we enter a new fiscal year in the next three days.
International, Financial, Legal, and Considerations: International student-athletes are an important part of this discussion, with 15% of all Maverick student-athletes and 30% of student-athletes in revenue sport programs coming to UNO from abroad. Specifically, 80% of UNO’s hockey roster is international. Paying student-athletes directly brings added complexities, especially for international student-athletes. The impact of payments on their status remains unclear. It also raises tax questions that may impact financial aid packages. Another critical unknown is whether opting into the terms of the settlement also increases UNO’s legal exposure as a non-named defendant. Additionally, we want to remain mindful of how new terms of the settlement requirements regarding NIL disclosures interact with current State of Nebraska law.
Until there’s more clarity in each of these areas, it’s important that we proceed with caution.
UNO is taking full advantage of every tool available under current NCAA rules to deliver meaningful support to student-athletes in competition and in the classroom at a level that meets or exceeds our peers. Even while opting out this year, UNO is doubling down on direct investment in student-athletes:
Beginning this year, thanks to generous donors and externally generated revenues, UNO will offer education-related benefits also known as “Alston awards.” As of the U.S. Supreme Court decision in 2021, Alston awards allow institutions to distribute up to $5,980 annually per student-athlete based on academic achievement and progress toward degree. For the upcoming year, the Hockey, Men’s and Women’s Basketball, Volleyball, Softball, and Women’s Soccer programs will have the ability to distribute these benefits. International student-athletes are able to take advantage of this benefit opportunity.
These awards are in addition to “cost of attendance” stipends, which UNO recently funded for our eight revenue sport programs to distribute to select student-athletes. Cost-of-attendance stipends are additional funds that help student-athletes cover everyday expenses not included in traditional scholarships, like room and board, required fees, and books.
This builds on UNO allocating the full amount of scholarships for revenue sport programs currently allowed by the NCAA for schools that have not opted into the settlement terms.
Thanks to our incredible partners with the Omaha Bull Market Collective, who have positively impacted our student-athletes since 2022, as well as our partnerships with Opendorse, Learfield, and Adidas, UNO has successfully built one of the most dynamic NIL ecosystems among our peers. For these reasons, Maverick student-athletes currently on our rosters have already significantly benefitted from NIL opportunities for the upcoming year.
As you can see, even while opting out, the financial resources Maverick student-athletes are receiving entering the 2025-2026 season position UNO as a leader among our peers.
In the spirit of UNO’s mission and values, Omaha Athletics has developed one of the most innovative and robust student-athlete support programs in the nation, including:
A comprehensive medical and team physician partnership with OrthoNebraska.
Integrated sport psychology, mental health, and sports nutrition services within Athletics.
A transformative Sports Science partnership with the UNO Sports Medicine and Biomechanics Lab, including three Ph.D. athletic training sports science fellowships and the Maverick Peak Performance Program funded through the Weitz Innovation and Excellence Fund.
A nutritional training table program for all female student-athletes and sport programs.
The implementation of Mav360, a UNO micro-credential that educates Maverick student-athletes in the areas of financial literacy, NIL, career preparation, and other development areas designed to holistically care for our students, ensuring Mavericks are equipped to succeed for life after sports.
Additionally, we are set to announce an expanded, first-of-its-kind, custom-built partnership with Opendorse, which will incorporate on-demand access to Opendorse experts, including daily engagement with a designated General Manager to provide NIL support for student-athletes and roster management support and data for our coaching staffs.
Over the past three years, Omaha Athletics has achieved unprecedented heights competing in 16 conference championship games, capturing 11 conference titles en route to eight NCAA tournament appearances.
In the classroom, student-athletes have maintained a 3.45+ cumulative GPA across three consecutive academic years and achieved a 95% Graduation Success Rate (GSR) with a 993 Academic Progress Rate (APR). In 2024–2025, Mavericks completed 4,579 hours of community service, ranking eighth nationally among all Division I programs. Eight teams finished in the top 10 of their sport in community engagement according to the Helper Helper report.
Together, these investments already offer one of the strongest student-athlete holistic experiences in Division I. Not if, but when we opt in to the settlement terms, it will only elevate a strong foundation already in place.
UNO’s approach is rooted in strategy, responsibility, and an unwavering belief in the transformative power of a successful student-athlete experience. By choosing flexibility now, we are preserving the environment that made this success possible while positioning Omaha Athletics to thrive in the years ahead.
As college athletics enter a new era, the strength of Omaha Athletics will be defined by the community that stands behind it. Your support through time, energy, and investment will help propel our student-athletes and programs to continue achieving unprecedented levels of success.
Invest in Maverick Momentum: Support from our stakeholders has never been more critical to the success of Omaha Athletics. Your contributions to the ONE Fund support scholarships, enhances facilities, and provides the resources Maverick student-athletes need to thrive.
Explore NIL Partnerships: Local businesses and organizations interested in working with student-athletes on NIL opportunities can connect through our partners at the Omaha Bull Market Collective or the Opendorse NIL Marketplace. These platforms help create meaningful partnerships that support student-athletes and strengthen our community.
Follow and Engage on Social Media: Based on information provided by Deloitte regarding NIL range of compensation parameters, following Maverick teams and student-athletes on social media directly impacts the ability of Maverick student-athletes to take full advantage of NIL opportunities. Now more than ever, your likes, shares, and support make a difference.
Get in the Game: There’s nothing like game day in Omaha. Get your tickets and bring the energy that fuels the championship caliber environment we need to continue competing for titles.
Thank you for standing with us. Your belief in Omaha Athletics and in the life-changing impact of the student-athlete experience fuels everything we do. We’re grateful for your continued support as we build future leaders that our university and the Omaha community can be proud of.
At the heart of our pursuit of excellence is a simple goal: Elevate UNO’s visibility to showcase the unmatched educational experience our campus offers and the incredible impact we have on our community, the state, and the country.
Jonathon Miller was recently inducted into the National Semi-Pro Baseball Hall of Fame on July 26 in Dayton. Miller is a 1999 graduate of Bellefontaine High School. He was also a backup quarterback at the University of Louisville. Miller has founded Project Purple which helps children of those dealing with mental health and addiction issues. […]
Jonathon Miller was recently inducted into the National Semi-Pro Baseball Hall of Fame on July 26 in Dayton.
Miller is a 1999 graduate of Bellefontaine High School. He was also a backup quarterback at the University of Louisville. Miller has founded Project Purple which helps children of those dealing with mental health and addiction issues.
In October of 2026, Miller will be inducted into the Ohio Sports Hall of Fame along with his former baseball coach Lou Brunswick.
Getty Images Advil. A name every athlete is familiar with. It’s the first response to a sore muscle and the go-to fix after a tough meet. But its presence also marks the beginning of a deeper issue that lies within competitive sports – the normalization of medicating pain, even when the pain is more than […]
Advil. A name every athlete is familiar with. It’s the first response to a sore muscle and the go-to fix after a tough meet. But its presence also marks the beginning of a deeper issue that lies within competitive sports – the normalization of medicating pain, even when the pain is more than physical.
As a high school track and field athlete, I’ve watched my teammates deal with injuries like shin splints, tendon strains, and hamstring pulls, often continuing to train through them. Behind the scenes, pain management becomes a silent routine: over-the-counter anti-inflammatories, muscle rubs, taped joints. And when that’s not enough, some athletes receive prescriptions for something stronger. Not to escape the pain, but to function and perform.
Opioid misuse among athletes, especially those recovering from injury, has emerged as a national concern. A study published in the Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine found that 26.5% of collegiate athletes had received an opioid prescription following an orthopedic injury or surgery, along with a small subset using opioids for non-pain relieving purposes.
What makes opioids especially dangerous in athletic environments is not just their addictive potential; it’s the culture surrounding them. Athletes are taught to always “push through.” Recovery is treated as a delay to success, not a necessity. And vulnerability, especially among male athletes, is often condemned. Within this culture, asking for help or admitting something’s wrong becomes 10 times more difficult.
While national conversations about addiction often focus on unlawful substances or post-career collapse, the path to opioid dependency in sports begins earlier. For many, it starts with a legal prescription issued after an injury. A JAMA Network Open study from 2020 confirmed that young athletes, particularly those in high-intensity sports, face an elevated risk of extreme opioid use compared to non-athlete peers.
What separates sports-related opioid addiction from other contexts is that athletes often aren’t seeking a frenzy, but instead they’re seeking a return to ordinary. Opioids for athletes serve as a way to meet expectations. When recovery time is seen as lost time, performance becomes the priority over long-term health.
Professional sports provide some of the most visible cautionary tales. In the National Football League, the issue is so widespread that a class-action lawsuit was filed against the league by former players claiming that teams recklessly distributed opioids and other painkillers to keep them playing. In Olympic history, several elite athletes have revealed post-retirement battles with substance dependence all stemming not from recklessness, but from repeated injuries and a system that emphasized resilience over recovery.
In track and field specifically, the pressure to maintain peak performance over narrow competition windows creates a cycle of overtraining, underreporting pain, and constant reliance on medication. As the Olympics approach every four years, the spotlight grows more intense. Even among youth athletes, the drive to qualify for state and national competitions or college recruitment can lead to several shortcuts being taken and, in extreme cases, substance use.
Addiction isn’t a personal failure but, in the bigger picture, it’s a systemic blind spot. It grows from environments that prioritize output over well-being. Until sports organizations, schools, and coaches build stronger frameworks around injury care, mental health, and education, this pattern will only continue.
The stigma surrounding athlete weakness must be broken down. Opioids don’t appear out of nowhere, rather they fill gaps left by pressure and insufficient support.
I’ll always love the thrill of track from the adrenaline to the discipline and competition. But no race is worth losing oneself. In a network built on pushing limits, real change begins by recognizing where we’ve pushed too far.
This article was written as part of a program to educate youth and others about Alameda County’s opioid crisis, prevention and treatment options. The program is funded by the Alameda County Behavioral Health Department and the grant is administered by Three Valleys Community Foundation.
Spencer Stastney, a defenseman for the Nashville Predators, contemplated retirement before the 2024-25 season due to significant mental health struggles. His challenges peaked after the 2024 Calder Cup Playoffs, compelling him to consider leaving the sport at just 24. Despite a promising start to his career with notable performances in both the AHL and NHL, […]
Spencer Stastney, a defenseman for the Nashville Predators, contemplated retirement before the 2024-25 season due to significant mental health struggles. His challenges peaked after the 2024 Calder Cup Playoffs, compelling him to consider leaving the sport at just 24. Despite a promising start to his career with notable performances in both the AHL and NHL, feelings of anxiety led Stastney to seek help through the NHLPA’s Player Assistance Program. After a hiatus from training camp, he returned to the ice in December, performing well enough to earn an NHL call-up. Stastney aims to continue his career with the Predators as he navigates his relationship with the sport.
By the Numbers
State of Play
What’s Next
Stastney will focus on re-establishing his career with the Predators, aiming for a full-time NHL position as he continues to tackle mental health issues. His performance will be closely monitored as he aims to solidify his role within the organization.
Bottom Line
Stastney’s journey highlights the importance of mental health awareness in sports. His openness to discuss and seek help showcases resilience and may foster a culture of support among athletes facing similar challenges.
Andrea Spendolini-Sirieix will not compete at this month’s World Aquatics Championships due to “mental blocks”. The 20-year-old diver claimed Olympic bronze with Lois Toulson in the women’s synchronised 10m platform at Paris 2024 and opened up about her mental health struggles after competing in the individual event. On Wednesday Spendolini-Sirieix revealed she would not be […]
Andrea Spendolini-Sirieix will not compete at this month’s World Aquatics Championships due to “mental blocks”.
The 20-year-old diver claimed Olympic bronze with Lois Toulson in the women’s synchronised 10m platform at Paris 2024 and opened up about her mental health struggles after competing in the individual event.
On Wednesday Spendolini-Sirieix revealed she would not be taking part in the World Championships, saying she feels “it would be best” to take a break from the sport.
She said in a post on Instagram: “Unfortunately, I won’t be attending the World Championships this year in Singapore. I’ve had a tough battle with mental blocks in diving this season, and I’ve tried to fight through them, but I’ve decided it would be best for me to take a break from the pool.
“I am getting all the help I need from my family, my coach and my support team at Aquatics GB and I am so thankful for their love and support.
“As an athlete, the words ‘rest’ and ‘break’ are foreign, but I know that this period will greatly help me in the long run.
“I am sad to not be joining my team and international friends out in Singapore, but I know they will do amazingly and I can’t wait to see them shine.”
PA
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AFC players are making headlines with their evolving situations. Charvarius Ward of the Colts reflects on his mental health journey following personal loss, sharing renewed optimism after leaving the 49ers. Meanwhile, Texans tight end Brevin Jordan is ready to bounce back from a torn ACL, while Titans rookie QB Cam Ward acknowledges the team’s need […]
AFC players are making headlines with their evolving situations. Charvarius Ward of the Colts reflects on his mental health journey following personal loss, sharing renewed optimism after leaving the 49ers. Meanwhile, Texans tight end Brevin Jordan is ready to bounce back from a torn ACL, while Titans rookie QB Cam Ward acknowledges the team’s need for improvement and accountability. Collectively, these narratives illustrate resilience and the ongoing adjustments as teams prepare for the season ahead.
By the Numbers
State of Play
What’s Next
As the season approaches, all eyes will be on how these players integrate into their teams. Ward’s positive changes in mental health could set the tone for a successful Colts season, while Jordan’s return may bolster the Texans’ offense. Titans’ rookie Ward’s commitment to improvement suggests he will work to elevate the team’s performance.
Bottom Line
The resilience shown by these AFC players amidst personal and team challenges underscores the importance of mental health and adaptation in professional sports. As they move forward, their experiences highlight how personal growth can impact team dynamics and performance.
Kyrie Irving, standout guard for the Dallas Mavericks, has opened up about experiencing bullying in his childhood, which became a driving force behind his basketball journey. During a livestream with Kai Cenat, Irving candidly shared that being perceived as smart and sensitive made him a target, but he channeled that adversity into motivation for his […]
Kyrie Irving, standout guard for the Dallas Mavericks, has opened up about experiencing bullying in his childhood, which became a driving force behind his basketball journey. During a livestream with Kai Cenat, Irving candidly shared that being perceived as smart and sensitive made him a target, but he channeled that adversity into motivation for his NBA career. Despite this challenging background, he has risen to elite status in the league, demonstrating remarkable skills and leadership. Recently, Irving has also been active in online discussions, reflecting on his journey and future ventures, including a possible coaching role.
By the Numbers
Yes, But
While Irving’s bullying experience contributed to his resilience, it also highlights ongoing issues of childhood bullying and mental health in sports, stirring debate about the pressure athletes face both on and off the court.
State of Play
What’s Next
As Irving navigates his recovery from injury, he may also explore a coaching future, which could reshape his career beyond playing. Fans and analysts will be watching closely to see how he impacts both the Mavericks and any potential new ventures.
Bottom Line
Irving’s journey underscores the idea that personal hardships can motivate success, but they also raise important conversations about youth bullying and the mental health challenges athletes face. His future, both on and off the court, is poised for scrutiny and potential innovation.
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