Georgia quarterback Jaden Rashada filed a lawsuit yesterday against the University of Florida (UF), booster Hugh Hathcock, and Gators team coach Billy Napier over a failed name, image and likeness (NIL) agreement worth $13.85 million.
The first-of-its-kind lawsuit since the NCAA allowed NILs in 2021 could set off similar legal actions by other student-athletes who feel exploited.
According to the suit, Rashada had initially agreed to play for the University of Miami, which promised him a $9.5 million NIL contract. He claims that Napier and Hathcock lured him away to Florida with a $13.85 million NIL offer, which violated NCAA bylaws.
Rashada further claims he was promised that he would receive $1 million on signing day. But his contract was abruptly terminated before he could arrive on Florida’s campus, the suit says. He has since transferred to Georgia.
Rashada seeks at least $10 million in damages. The lawsuit does not allege a breach of contract.
Notably, the case exposes the unregulated influence of boosters in college football who use potential NIL deals to recruit talent, something the NCAA forbids.
The lawsuit may influence future NCAA regulations as it could spark a discussion on whether schools should pay athletes directly to prevent the flow of funds from donors with little oversight.