Gov. DeSantis signs ‘Teddy Bridgewater Act,’ allowing coaches to financially support athletes

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Friday signed a pair of bills into law that change rules governing high school athletics, including legislation inspired by former Miami Northwestern Senior High School football coach Teddy Bridgewater.

Read more Large grass fire burns near Miami Executive Airport

Leer en español

The “Teddy Bridgewater Act” makes it legal for high school coaches to use up to $15,000 of their own money to support student-athletes, including paying for meals and transportation such as rides.

The measure follows Bridgewater’s departure from Miami Northwestern Senior High School after he acknowledged providing meals and Uber rides to players he coached. Bridgewater is now back in the NFL after signing with the Detroit Lions back in March.

Read more Suspect dead after opening fire near White House security checkpoint, Secret Service says

DeSantis also signed a second bill aimed at expanding compensation options for high school coaches. The law allows school districts to approve booster clubs that use voluntary donations to help pay coaches.

Read more Coast Guard: Boat sinks with 700 gallons of fuel in Key West

In addition, the legislation tightens transfer rules for student-athletes.

Both laws take effect July 1.

Related Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *