Ethan Bonheur

My name is Ethan Bonheur and I'm freshman majoring in Sports Media



Projects by Ethan Bonheur

News Story

The Impact of NIL: Redefining College Athletes and The Athletic Landscape

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Impact of NIL: Redefining College Athletes and The Athletic Landscape

Media Contacts
Ethan Bonheur
Gabe Morrison
Lauren Kuechenberg

  With the NCAA’s 2021 decision allowing college athletes to profit off their name, image, and likeness (NIL), student-athletes nationwide have gained new opportunities and complex choices. No longer bound by NCAA restrictions on athlete compensation, students now weigh financial opportunities alongside traditional factors when choosing colleges. This has made NIL a critical factor in the recruitment process, with schools nationwide—particularly in states like Indiana—without comprehensive NIL laws. For Butler University’s D1 basketball player, Ryder Cate, deciding where to play college ball wasn’t just about finding the right coach or campus culture. The potential for NIL income had become a part of his college equation—a factor unimaginable a few years ago. Emily Bonchik, Chair of the Student Athletic Board at Indiana University, observes this shift firsthand. “High school athletes today are looking for a complete package in their college experience,” she explains. “They’re not only evaluating athletic facilities and academic programs; they’re also considering which schools have robust NIL support systems that can maximize their financial opportunities and brand-building potential.”

Ryder Cate poses for a photo during Butler’s media day. Cate is a freshman at Butler University where he plays basketball at the Division 1 level where he received many NIL opportunities

  NIL rights have transformed the college recruitment landscape, promoting high school athletes to consider not only where they can play well but also where they can earn well. This shift is particularly significant for athletes like Cate, who have the potential to leverage their talents and social media followings for financial gain. Dr. Galen Clavio, director of the National Sports Journalism Center at Indiana University, notes that NIL has fundamentally changed how athletes approach recruitment. “We are seeing athletes become more strategic in their choices.” He states, “For many, especially those from financially constructed backgrounds, NIL income is not just a bonus; it’s a necessity that can significantly impact their futures.

  In Indiana, the absence of specific NIL legislation until recently has presented challenges for the state’s schools in competing for top talent. While other states, like California and Texas, have enacted laws that promote NIL activities for athletes, Indiana has taken a more cautious approach. However, the Indiana University Athletic NIL Policy, updated in September 2023, provides a comprehensive framework for student-athletes to engage in NIL activities while following NCAA regulations. Bonchik describes IU’s proactive stance in addressing these challenges. “We’ve started initiatives to educate athletes about NIL and help them navigate the process,” she states. ”Understanding contracts and how to build a personal brand are critical skills for our athletes in this new environment. Bonchik highlights that Indiana University has been at the forefront of integrating NIL education into its athletic programs, ensuring that student-athletes are well-informed about their rights and opportunities. “It’s about empowering our athletes to make informed decisions,” she said. “We want them to take full advantage of the resources available to them.”

Dr. Clavio attends a Press Conference with media students. He discusses the impact NIL has on college athletes and universities. Photo: Emma Pierce

  The introduction of NIL rights has brought numerous opportunities for athletes, but it also creates challenges. According to an article from ESPN, while NIL has been a bonus for many athletes, concerns remain regarding equity and access. Some schools, particularly those with fewer resources, struggle to provide the same level of support as larger programs. This imbalance can create hurdles in recruitment, as athletes tend to gravitate toward schools with established NIL networks. Dr. Clavio elaborates on this issue: “The disparity in NIL resources can lead to uneven recruitment practices. Schools that can offer robust support systems and connections to local businesses have a significant advantage in attracting top talent.” This financial imbalance not only affects the athletes but also the competitive landscape of college sports, creating a situation where some programs are more likely to attract athletes based on their NIL capabilities.

Emily Bonchik is the chair on the Student Athletic Board at Indiana University. Bonchik is heavily involved with NIL and working with other members of the board to help make decisions that help benefit athletes at IU.

  In response to these changes, some universities are investing in resources to prepare their athletes for the complexities of NIL. This includes workshops, mentorship programs, and legal assistance for understanding contracts and negotiations. The Indiana University NIL initiative, which enlists law students to help navigate NIL agreements, exemplifies the university’s commitment to supporting its student athletes in this new landscape. Bouchik says, “Our goal is to ensure that athletes are not capitalizing on NIL opportunities but also able to balance these pursuits with their academic and athletic responsibilities.” The initiative has proven beneficial for many athletes, allowing them to focus on their sports and academics while simultaneously exploring their earning potential. Cate, reflecting on his experience at Butler University, states, “Knowing that the university supports us in understanding NIL was a huge factor in my decision. It makes a difference to have resources available to navigate this new terrain.” Cate emphasizes that athletes should not only seek financial gain but also prioritize personal growth and education. 

  As the NCAA continues to refine its approach to NIL and more states develop supportive legislation, the recruitment landscape will continue to evolve. Athletes will increasingly weigh financial opportunities alongside traditional factors such as coaching and academic programs. For Cate and his peers, the message is clear: the future of college sports is not just about playing games; it’s about building brands and securing financial futures. “We’re in a new era of college athletics,” Cate says. “NIL is a game changer, and it’s exciting to see how it will shape the future for athletes like me.” The NIL era represents an opportunity to not only compete at the highest level but also take charge of their financial destiness. As this continues to evolve, the potential for growth and empowerment within college sports has never been better, making it an exciting time for athletes.

We interviewed a variety of IU faculty and students to hear their thoughts on NIL. NIL has played a major role for college athletes for the past few years and now it has become more important than ever making it a popular topic of discussion.

 

References

ESPN. (2023). How NIL has impacted college sports: Balancing opportunities and challenges. ESPN. Retrieved October 2023.

Indiana University. (2023). IU athletic NIL policy: Guidance for student-athletes.

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Public Relations Story

Apple’s Newest Product: The Apple Watch

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Apple’s Newest Product: The Apple Watch

Media Contacts
Ethan Bonheur
Daisy Desilvia
Stella Abodeely

Apple’s press conference on Tuesday unveils their newest product, the Apple Watch, announced by CEO Tim Cook in Cupertino, California, highlighting the innovative future of the device. Cook, proud of the launch and optimistic about the future of the product and brand, sports the new watch while wearing a casual outfit.

The announcement made at the Flint Center located at De Anza College is explained by Cook as a pivotal moment in influencing customers’ lives and changing their views on such a product. After playing the intro video, Cook steps back onto the stage, arm held high, showing the new, innovative product on his wrist.

The Apple Watch is as precise as can be, matching and being synced to the universal time standard, as well as being customizable, giving users the ability to make the product their own and tailored to their needs and preferences. Along with its precision, it allows users to connect to their devices seamlessly while also doubling as a health and fitness device.

Ava Cornette doing homework while wearing the Apple Watch
Sophomore Ava Cornette does her homework while listening to music through her Apple Watch. The Apple Watch allows users to play music into their headphones through apps like Spotify and Apple music.

 

The functionality tools and methods for the device show and express the thoughtfulness behind the product. The digital crown, located on the side of the device, serves as a navigation device for the watch, offering zoom features on applications such as Maps, scrolling on a list, and helping you return to the home screen when exiting out of apps.

The flexible retina display alongside this dial allows the device to have a sleek, sophisticated look, further proving how the Apple Watch combines style and functionality. The variety and range of watch faces, colored bands, textured straps, and types of buckles continues giving users the ability to customize their experience. In addition, there are 3 collections. The traditional Apple Watch is in a polished case, the Apple Watch Sport has an aluminum shell that is stronger while still being light, and finally, the Apple Watch Edition which is made of hard, 18-karat gold.  Touch and force differentiators make the device context-sensitive, and allow for a more positive user experience and increased functionality. All of this is made possible by the new S1 chip and taptic engine that allow for a device this small to have so much use.

The back crystal, responsible for tracking heart rate and fitness-related activities, also connects to the inductive charging powered by MagSafe, which doesn’t require alignment and makes the process easy for users.

2 highschoolers walking while their apple watches track their steps
Ryan Bailey and Zach Jacobs walk down the sidewalk. Every step is tracked by their Apple Watches on their daily walk to and from school.

Kevin Lynch, Vice President of Apple, made an appearance, giving a live demonstration of the device and its features. This aspect of the presentation presented the various tasks and customizable features the watch has, showing how easy it would be for any user to make this device truly their own. Connection to other devices such as the iPhone and MacBook are also pointed out by Lynch, highlighting how the watch can control certain functions such as playing music from these other products. Quick reply is also an integral feature relating to the ease of use of the watch, giving users a list of potential replies when receiving messages, and the ability to use animated emojis or audio text.

“We’ve also been working to enable third-party developers to extend their apps to Apple Watch,” Lynch points out, expressing this potential due to applications on the iPhone. The partnerships with other businesses, such as Starwood Hotels, giving watch wearers the ability to unlock their hotel door with a tap of their watch, shows their confidence in the watch and the potential it has to better the lives of customers. Other notable connections include Pinterest, American Airlines, and BMW.

Cook dives into what he considers to be one of the most important features of the watch: fitness. “We have two new applications in Apple Watch. First is the fitness app. The fitness app monitors all of your activity and movement throughout the day. And the second is the workout app. The workout app allows you to set specific goals for specific types of workouts like cycling or running,” notes Cook. A comprehensive, in-depth video shows the health impacts and ways the product will allow users to meet their fitness goals. “Apple Watch is designed to help anyone who wears it to lead a healthier life by being more active,” says Jay Blahnik, Director of Fitness, Health Technologies. He points out how this watch and its features are for everyone, from high-level athletes to those just starting their fitness journey.

“Apple Watch required some deep innovation. It’s a precise timepiece with incredible ability to customize. It’s a new, intimate way to communicate directly from your wrist, and it’s a comprehensive health and fitness device. And it is so much more.”

Apple Watch pairs with iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone 5s, iPhone 5c, and iPhone 5, starting at a cost of $349 in early 2025.

CEO Tim Cook talks about how to charge the Apple Watch. The Apple Watch will lose a lot of battery throughout the day so it’s important to charge it every night.

Vice President Kevin Lynch describes how to access different apps on the Apple Watch. Like the iPhone, the Apple Watch has all of the same apps plus other health tracking apps including heart rate and daily steps.

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