Cleared to earn money, college athletes tap creative sides

SMU defensive back RaSun Kazadi works on a painting at his apartment Wednesday, Aug. 11, 2021, in Dallas. The end of the NCAA ban on athletes being able to earn money for their fame and celebrity has led to some of them cashing in on their creative side. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

SMU defensive back RaSun Kazadi works on a painting at his apartment Wednesday, Aug. 11, 2021, in Dallas. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

Marshall football player Will Ulmer goes over his playlist during a concert July 18, 2021, in Huntington, W.Va. Will Ulmer doesn’t have to hide anymore. The Marshall offensive lineman, all 6-foot-4 and 300 pounds of him, unleashed a year's worth of energy in his first on-stage performance since the start of the pandemic, playing guitar and belting out songs in his Kentucky baritone for a modest crowd outside a Huntington ice cream store..(AP Photo/John Raby)

Nebraska volleyball player Lexi Sun is seen wearing a sweatshirt with her name on it in Encinitas, Ca., on June 19, 2021. Sun wanted her deal with volleyball apparel company Ren Athletics to allow her personality and style to shine through in the launch of her clothing line — a black sweatshirt with her name and a golden outline of the sun's rays. It quickly sold out. (Natalie Hagglund via AP)

Lexi Sun is seen wearing a sweatshirt with her name on it in Encinitas, Calif., on June 19, 2021. The end of the NCAA ban on athletes being able to earn money for their fame and celebrity has led to some of them cashing in on their creative side. For Nebraska volleyball player Lexi Sun, it has meant helping design sports apparel. (Natalie Hagglund via AP)

SMU defensive back RaSun Kazadi works on a painting at his apartment Wednesday, Aug. 11, 2021, in Dallas. A junior, Kazadi, who goes by the first name Ra, has been painting only since high school. Some works are lighthearted and fun. Some were done as stress relief. Others reflect a certain point in his life. He also runs a separate non-profit group to promote social justice and community conflict resolution. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

Fans listen to Marshall football player Will Ulmer sing and play guitar July 18, 2021, in Huntington, W.Va. The NCAA's decision last month to lift its longtime ban on an athlete being compensated for their name, image and likeness has opened up Ulmer and others to show off their artistic sides. (AP Photo/John Raby)

SMU defensive back RaSun Kazadi smiles during an NCAA college football practice Wednesday, Aug. 11, 2021, in Dallas. The end of the NCAA ban on athletes being able to earn money for their fame and celebrity has led to some of them cashing in on their creative side. For Kazadi, it means he can sell his art. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

Marshall football player Will Ulmer sings and plays guitar July 18, 2021, in Huntington, W.Va. The NCAA's decision to allow athletes to be paid for their fame and celebrity has led to scores of deals big and small from coast to coast since July 1. Sponsorships and endorsements are the most common, but there has been another welcome wrinkle: Ulmer and other athletes are now able to show off their creative, artistic sides and earn some money while they're at it. (AP Photo/John Raby)

Marshall football player Will Ulmer sings and plays guitar July 18, 2021, in Huntington, W.Va. The NCAA's decision last month to lift its longtime ban on an athlete being compensated for their name, image and likeness has opened up Ulmer and others to show off their artistic sides. (AP Photo/John Raby)