The wall has come tumbling down and you’ll hear a new word in amateur sports: NIL which stands for name, image, and likeness.

Local 4 meteorologist Paul Gross was born in Detroit and has spent his entire life and career right here in southeast Michigan. Paul has researched, written and produced eight half-hour documentaries for WDIV, as well as many science, historical and environmental stories.

Gretchen Whitmer has signed two bills that will allow college athletes in Michigan to make money off of their own name, image, likeness and reputation. Michigan is among the first states to allow student athletes to earn such compensation. It’s the first time in state history that college players can financially benefit from their sport while attending school. The bills allow players from any sport in all divisions to use agents to earn money from their own image, name, or likeness. “I am proud to sign this bipartisan legislation today on behalf of our current and future student athletes,” Whitmer said.