The NCAA has reportedly blocked Oklahoma State's plans to put QR codes on the back of the Cowboys' football helmets that would link fans to the general team fund for every student-athlete on the roster.
In a press release, Oklahoma State said it disagrees with the NCAA's position and interprets the QR codes as "institutional decals permitted under NCAA bylaws."
"We disagree with the interpretation of the rule but will abide by it and work with the appropriate groups to lead on the needed change,' OSU athletic director Chatd Welberg said. "Our people came up with an innovative concept to raise the NIL value of our student-athletes, but ultimately it just serves as the latest example of how college sports are evolving at a faster pace than the rule book."
NCAA blocks Oklahoma State from putting QR codes on players’ helmets so fans can donate to a team NIL fund.
— Mark J. Burns (@markjburns88) August 31, 2024
“NCAA interprets the QR code stickers as advertising and/or commercial marks…”
(via @McclainBaxley) pic.twitter.com/lCqnjzKqQy
OSU said that it had consulted with the Big 12 and were confident the stickers would be worn.
“As we enter this new age of college athletics, the Big 12 Conference welcomes the opportunity to be at the forefront of innovation and creativity,” says Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark. “I look forward to partnering with the NCAA and my fellow conference commissioners in an effort to modernize legislation that enables our schools to drive value for our student-athletes.”
Though the QR codes will no longer be featured on football helmets, OSU says they will continue with placing them in larger and noticeable locations at Boone Pickens Stadium which includes the stadiums video board.
