Oklahoma State blocked from placing QR codes on helmets to pay players
The NCAA has banned Oklahoma State from placing QR codes on its playersâ helmets, which would allow fans to link to a team fund and donate to the programâs endowment using their name, image and likeness, the school announced ahead of Saturdayâs game against South Dakota State.
âOklahoma State interprets the QR code stickers as institutional stickers, which are permitted under NCAA bylaws,â the university said in a press release. âThe NCAA interprets the QR code stickers as advertising and/or commercial branding, which is not permitted.â
The QR codes are 1.5-inch decals with each player’s name and number. They wouldn’t be visible from the stands, but they would be visible in close-ups during broadcasts and postgame photos posted to social media.
According to the press release, the QR codes will not appear on the Cowboys’ helmets, but they will be placed in larger and more prominent locations throughout Boone Pickens Stadium, including on the 6,000-square-foot video screen.
“We disagree with the interpretation of the rule, but will abide by it and work with the appropriate groups to bring about the necessary change,” Oklahoma State athletic director Chad Weiberg said in a statement. “Our staff came up with an innovative concept to increase the NIL value of our student-athletes, but ultimately it serves as just the latest example of how college sports is evolving faster than the rulebook.”
Coach Mike Gundy called the QR codes âa revolutionary step forward in putting Oklahoma State football ahead of the game.â