Harris Shelton Hanover Walsh, PLLC has announced that Milton “Dee” Hobbs, Jr., who heads the firm’s Oxford, Mississippi, office, will lead the firm’s practice of name, image and likeness (NIL) transactions on behalf of businesses looking to partner with collegiate athletes. This is a fast-evolving area of law since the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) unveiled historic policies this year in relation to athletes’ ability to benefit from NIL activities.
Following a four-year stint at a renowned law firm in Birmingham, Alabama, Hobbs founded DH Sports Management LLC and worked as an NFL agent for three years. Hobbs has represented NFL players and Division 1 coaches with various contractual matters and disputes. To the representation of clients’ NIL matters, Hobbs brings significant experience in quick and effective contract negotiations, as well as in complicated media and public relations issues on behalf of businesses, players, coaches and other public figures.
“The NCAA’s new rules related to NIL have generated significant interest both for America’s hardworking young athletes and the colleges they represent, presenting tremendous potential but plenty of unresolved legal questions and challenges,” said Hobbs. “It’s my privilege to help Harris Shelton clients navigate complex matters related to market rate compensation, player market value, impacts of name, image and likeness issues on University recruiting efforts of athletes and the new issues raised by the transfer portal.
Hobbs periodically teaches as an adjunct instructor at the University of Mississippi School of Business and has previously served on the board of directors for the Ole Miss Alumni Association.