Coffee Listed as One of Products BYU Student-Athletes Can't Endorse for Compensation

Brigham Young University, in Provo, Utah, which is sponsored by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, recently sent out a press release to all of its student-athletes outlining BYU's policies and reminding students that they are prohibited from promoting things like alcohol, tobacco, adult entertainment and coffee.

The NCAA adopted a temporary policy on a student athlete's name, image and likeness (NIL) that allows students to have endorsement deals, compensation for coaching, autographs and leveraging social media for pay, among a few other things.

The BYU press release outlined that athletes can receive compensation for NIL activities within fair market value, but they cannot promote or be endorsed by any companies that promote anything outside of the "BYU Honor Code Standards," which includes alcohol, tobacco, gambling, adult entertainment and, yes, even coffee.

And while some may think the prohibition of coffee is a bit odd, it is actually a set guideline in the Mormon faith.

Latter-Day Saints follow a set of health guidelines put in place by religious leader Joseph Smith, which includes abstinence from coffee and tea, as well as alcohol, tobacco and illegal drugs.

According to Naples Daily News, the NCAA's new NIL policies are "dramatic," as these money-making opportunities have not been permitted for decades.

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled unanimously on Monday that NCAA's rules restricting education-related benefits were illegal.

Justice Brett Kavanaugh wrote in an opinion to the court's decision, "Nowhere else in America can businesses get away with agreeing not to pay their workers a fair market rate on the theory that their product is defined by not paying their workers a fair market rate."

He added: "Under ordinary principles of antitrust law, it is not evident why college sports should be any different. The NCAA is not above the law."

Besides the set of guidelines, the letter sent to athletes from BYU athletic director Tom Holmoe expressed excitement for the new NIL promotions.

"This is terrific news for all of you! Brigham Young University Athletics embraces this new allowance, and we are anxious to help facilitate opportunities for our student-athletes," the letter read.

Gary Veron, BYU associate athletic director for the student-athlete experience, was quoted by the BYU news source saying, "Today is a most auspicious occasion. With the passage of interim NIL policies, our student-athletes now have the opportunity to maximize their earning potential in a variety of areas, from marketing deals to endorsements to monetizing their online presence."

He added, "I am thrilled to support BYU student-athletes as they begin laying the groundwork of building their personal brands. The college athletic landscape will never be the same, and we are ready to embrace these exciting changes."

Other universities have released similar statements, reminding students that their name, image and likeness policies require brand integrity as well. The University of Illinois banned students from promoting any adult entertainment, sports betting, gambling cannabis, vape products and alcohol.

Newsweek reached out to BYU Athletics for further comment but did not receive a response in time for publication.