Title: Pittsburgh Pirates’ Paul Skenes Gifts Girlfriend Olivia Dunne with New Kicks, Talks NIL Documentary
Article:
Pittsburgh Pirates rookie pitcher Paul Skenes has showered his girlfriend, LSU gymnast Olivia Dunne, with a thoughtful gift – a new pair of pink-hued Nike kicks. The couple, who met while Skenes was playing for the LSU Tigers, has been known to exchange gifts as a sign of their affection.
Skenes is nearing the end of his first year in the majors, having made his debut in August. His last start was against the St. Louis Cardinals, where he pitched six innings, allowing one run, and striking out seven hitters. Although he didn’t get the win, he showed promise in his outing.
Meanwhile, Dunne is gearing up for her fifth and final year with the LSU Tigers, where she hopes to help the team defend its NCAA crown, which they won in April. The gymnast has been busy promoting her new documentary, "The Money Game," which explores the impact of the NCAA’s new rule allowing athletes to earn through the commercial use of their name, image, and likeness.
Skenes is featured in the documentary, which follows the stories of athletes whose lives have been transformed by the rule change. Dunne spoke about the impact NIL has had on her life, saying, "The opportunities that have come with the rule change have changed my life. It’s been such a blessing. And the fact that I get to work with the brands that I didn’t have the opportunity to work with once upon a time has been a dream come true."
As the highest-paid college female athlete, Dunne trails only Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders in overall NIL earnings among college athletes. Her documentary is a testament to the positive impact of the rule change, which has opened up new opportunities for athletes to monetize their fame.
Word Count: 346
