In October 2025, Miami Gardens Democratic Senator Shevrin Jones filed a measure (SB 178) that directly challenges a “flaw in the system” that recently led to the suspension of former NFL quarterback Teddy Bridgewater from coaching his alma mater, Miami Northwestern High School.
The bill aims to legalize coaches using their own personal funds to support the basic needs of student athletes—such as food, transportation (including Uber rides), and recovery services—provided the funds are reported and not used for recruiting. The legislation follows widespread criticism that coaches are currently penalized for genuinely trying to help kids.
On Instagram, in response to a commenter, Senator Shevrin Jones added: “It provides clarity for coaches while keeping the FHSAA’s structure intact. This bill just brings fairness and consistency to how support can be offered.”
The legislation follows the high-profile suspension of Bridgewater, who began coaching his former high school team in 2024 but was sidelined after his inaugural state championship season. Hy Lo News reported on the bombshell ruling on September 12, 2025, after the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) suspended Bridgewater for the entire 2025–26 school year for providing “impermissible benefits.”
The issue stemmed from Bridgewater’s public admission that he spent personal funds, including roughly $700 a week on Uber rides, to ensure his student-athletes could get to and from practices and games, according to The Palm Beach Post. While his actions were rooted in looking out for his players, the FHSAA ruled it was a violation of its policies.
As part of the ruling, Miami Northwestern Athletics was placed on one year of probation, and the school was hit with a $2,500 fine (though $2,250 is returnable if no further violations occur this school year).
Under Sen. Jones’s proposed bill, the FHSAA would be required to adopt bylaws permitting such financial help in good faith, shifting the presumption that personal funds are not an impermissible benefit unless they are unreported, not given in good faith, or used for recruiting.
The bill was referred to the Senate Committees on Education Pre-K – 12, Judiciary, and Rules on November 3, where it awaits further action.
Hy Lo News will continue to track the bill’s progress and its potential impact on the high school sports industry.
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