Unlike athletes at other universities, athletes at military academies cannot seek outside deals to earn money from their fame. And they are forbidden from accepting NIL money. Because the government pays for their tuition, housing and fees, Cadets and Midshipmen are considered employees and federal laws forbid the use of public office for private gain.
For discussion purposes only, here is also an excerpt from Florida law: The 2021 Florida Statutes:
SOLICITATION OR ACCEPTANCE OF GIFTS.—No public officer, employee of an agency, local government attorney, or candidate for nomination or election shall solicit or accept anything of value to the recipient, including a gift, loan, reward, promise of future employment, favor, or service, based upon any understanding that the vote, official action, or judgment of the public officer, employee, local government attorney, or candidate would be influenced thereby.
For discussion purposes only, here is also an excerpt from Florida law: The 2021 Florida Statutes:
SOLICITATION OR ACCEPTANCE OF GIFTS.—No public officer, employee of an agency, local government attorney, or candidate for nomination or election shall solicit or accept anything of value to the recipient, including a gift, loan, reward, promise of future employment, favor, or service, based upon any understanding that the vote, official action, or judgment of the public officer, employee, local government attorney, or candidate would be influenced thereby.
