Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed the “Teddy Bridgewater Act” into law on Friday. The regulation allows state high school head coaches to spend up to $15,000 in personal funds annually on player expenses such as food, transportation and recovery services.
Former NFL quarterback Teddy Bridgewater served as an inspiration for the law after being suspended from coaching at Miami Northwestern. The Miami, Florida, native was cited for financing meals, transportation and recovery expenses for players.
The former Northwestern star athlete who went on to play at Louisville and later for eight NFL franchises, Bridgewater led the Bulls to a state championship as the head man. It was after this success that controversy surrounding the impermissible benefits emerged.
The law imposes restrictions that permit only head coaches to spend on players. All spending must be reported and funds cannot be used for the purpose of recruiting. This measure can be used in conjunction with Florida’s signing legislation that could lead to higher salaries for high school coaches through booster and donation revenue.
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This article originally appeared on Gators Wire: ‘Teddy Bridgewater Act’ could reshape Florida high school football
Reporting by Michael Long, Gators Wire / Gators Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
