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Former Florida signee's fraud lawsuit proceeds after federal ruling

Name, image and likeness (NIL) deals have sparked controversy throughout the country in different collegiate sports. The years-long case involving former five-star quarterback Jaden Rashada and Florida football head coach Billy Napier proved to be no different. On Tuesday, U.S. Northern District of Florida judge M. Casey Rodgers ruled that Rashada’s case against the Florida […]

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1 month ago

April 10, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Former Florida signee's fraud lawsuit proceeds after federal ruling

On Tuesday, U.S. Northern District of Florida judge M. Casey Rodgers ruled that Rashada’s case against the Florida football recruitment staff and donors can enter the first stage of trial.

In a 40-page order, Judge Rodgers allowed for three fraud-related counts and another count of conspiracy to commit fraud to proceed toward discovery, which means attorneys may begin gathering evidence. Rashada sued Napier and his staff in May over an NIL deal that was never paid out.

While the judge dismissed three counts filed by Rashada, Napier and his staff could still face backlash as the case overcomes its first legal hurdle.

“It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to understand how a purportedly fraudulent NIL deal initially valued north of $13 million could induce a teenager to choose a university he otherwise would not have,” Rodgers said.

Rashada’s attorney, Rusty Hardin, said he remains optimistic in bringing what he believes to be fraudulent activity from Florida’s staff to light.

“[We] look forward to discovery fully exposing the defendants’ conduct for all to see,” Hardin said.

Hardin also expressed his belief that Rashada’s case would “serve as a North Star” for future athletes who have been falsely promised NIL by D1 football coaches and their recruitment staff.

Since it was put into play on July 1, 2021, NIL has changed the game in college football recruitment. Now, players can make money from their brand. It plays an important role in how high school athletes weigh their options for collegiate athletics.

Former Alabama head coach Nick Saban has criticized NIL numerous times for how it has changed the principles of college coaching. The legendary Crimson Tide coach retired just three years after its introduction.

“It was always about developing players,” Sagan said in a Capitol Hill roundtable on March 12, 2024. “It was always about helping people be more successful in life.”

The Rashada case emerged in the summer of 2022 when the top 100 recruit from California was weighing options for his collegiate career. From June to November, the five-star quarterback was committed to the University of Miami after its staff offered him $9.5 million.

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In an effort to lure the talented recruit, Napier, along with Florida NIL director Marcus Castro-Walker and university donor Hugh Hathcock, offered Rashada $13.85 million over four years. The plan worked, and Rashada flipped his commitment to UF.

However, once the payment deadline passed, Rashada claims the Florida staff could not provide him with the money he was promised.

After having his release granted, he transferred to Arizona State for his freshman year, where he faced limited time on the field. After one season, Rashada transferred to Georgia, where he did not play a snap for the Bulldogs.

This past January, he entered the transfer portal for a third time, where he has remained unsigned since.

In May, Rashada sued Napier, Castro-Walker, Hathcock and the latter’s car company. Rodgers has now given the green light for the case to move to discovery.

Rodgers compared the alleged behavior of Napier and his staff to a group of people “marching to the beat of the same drum,” leading Rashada down a path where the money he was promised would never be provided.

However, the judge affirmed that Rashada and his team have to prove their claims.

The next court date hasn’t been set.

Contact Jeffrey Serber at Jserber@alligator.org. Follow him on X @JeffreySerber.

The Independent Florida Alligator has been independent of the university since 1971, your donation today could help #SaveStudentNewsrooms. Please consider giving today.

Jeffrey Serber

Jeffrey is the Spring 2025 women’s tennis beat reporter and a first-year journalism sports & media major. In his free time, he enjoys hanging out with friends and family, and rooting for the Miami sports teams.

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Post-Combine Mock Draft Tags Duke Basketball Transfer as First-Rounder

When Cedric Coward revealed his commitment to fourth-year Duke basketball head coach Jon Scheyer and the Blue Devils back in late April, the 6-foot-6 veteran force looked like this year’s high-impact transfer addition in Durham. A few weeks later, though, most signs now point to the 6-foot-6 guard, a clear-cut standout at last week’s NBA […]

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20 minutes ago

May 19, 2025

Your Sports Nation

ALSO READ: Potential Finishing Piece to 2025 Duke Class Schedules Announcement

On Monday morning, ESPN’s Jonathan Givony and Jeremy Woo became the latest to publish a mock draft with Coward, a chiseled 213-pounder boasting a 7-foot-2 wingspan, sitting in the first round. The pair of NBA insiders project the former Eastern Washington and Washington State sensation to hear his name at No. 30 overall to the Los Angeles Clippers (via the Oklahoma City Thunder).

“Many NBA teams we spoke with are hesitant about his surprising rise,” Woo wrote about the 21-year-old Coward, “given the fact that he played six games at Washington State before a shoulder injury ended his season. But his unusual trajectory from Division III to Eastern Washington to what appears to be guaranteed-contract territory is fascinating…

“Despite not having played competitively since November, his draft projection seems to be moving in his favor.”

Coward has until May 28 to withdraw his name from the list of early NBA Draft entrants and retain his college eligibility.

With about five weeks until the 2025 NBA Draft begins in Brooklyn’s Barclays Center on June 25, ESPN’s Duke basketball product forecast calls for Cooper Flagg at No. 1 to the Dallas Mavericks, Khaman Maluach at No. 7 to the New Orleans Pelicans, Kon Knueppel at No. 8 to the Brooklyn Nets, Tyrese Proctor at No. 51 to the Los Angeles Clippers, and Sion James at No. 52 to the Phoenix Suns.

Stay tuned to Duke Blue Devils On SI for more Duke basketball news.

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Mountain West News: Jerrod Calhoun, NIL, Nevada football, Jordy Oriach

It’s Monday, and we are back at it! We are now in the lull of the college sports calendar, but never fear, there is still news coming your way. Check out our original coverage and what we can find from the World Wide Web below. For those who care about such things, we are attempting […]

Published

40 minutes ago

May 19, 2025

Your Sports Nation

For those who care about such things, we are attempting to dive into Bluesky more as well as Twitter. If you are on either of those platforms, give our site account a follow (personal accounts will be in article bios):

Twitter: @MWCConnection

Bluesky: @mwcconnection.bsky.social

Going into his second season at the helm for the Aggies, Coach Calhoun discussed where the score will come from without Ian Martinez and thinks it will be a bit more by committee next year behind Mason Falslev. On the defensive side of the ball, Calhoun wants to become the best defense in the league. He values his team’s versatility, able to go to man, matchup zone, and switch on screens. Also, he likes the length and size they added in the transfer portal, but acknowledged other teams did better in that area and ultimately, the program and his tenure will be judged on the championships they win.

Even with revenue sharing looming, NIL figures to be here to stay in some form, although many of the collectives may be reimagined or consolidated. Bill Paulos is in charge of the UNLV NIL Collective and he says the first question when hiring new coaches is how strong the NIL program is. He tells donors NIL will look different in the near future, so they should donate even if they don’t like the current look of it. He thinks more regulation will be coming to NIL deals and also sees raising funds as the path to the Big 12.

Chris Murray rates his confidence level for each position on a scale of 1 to 10. Running back is the highest spot on offense, at a 7. O-line and tight end are at a 6, while quarterback and wide receiver are at a 5. Over on defense, the defensive line and linebackers both get a 5, while the defensive backs check in at a 6. The lowest confidence score is reserved for the special teams only get a 3.

New Mexico’s Oriach is a semifinalist

Outdoor T&F Champions

On the horizon:

Later today: A new MW Recruiting Roundup, discussing recruiting camps.
Coming Tuesday: Reacts Survey
Coming Tuesday: The Good, The Bad, The Ugly: Kicker/Punter Preview
Coming Tuesday: Reacts Survey
Coming Tuesday: Hike’s Peak Podcast Episode 103
Coming Wednesday: Peak Perspective: 2024 may have been the last of the good old days for Mountain West football.

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#16 Oregon vs Liberty: Super Regional Schedule

It was a dramatic weekend in College Station, Texas for the softball regional. The Liberty Lady Flames, led by head coach Dot Richardson and a veteran group, were able to outlast the No. 1 national seed Texas A&M in a win or go home Game 7 Sunday night, 6-5. With the win, Liberty advances to […]

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42 minutes ago

May 19, 2025

Your Sports Nation

With the win, Liberty advances to the program’s first ever Super Regional. The Lady Flames will tangle with No. 16 Oregon in the Super Regionals. The Ducks advanced with two wins Sunday over Stanford.

Here is the schedule for this week’s Super Regional round:

Liberty vs #16 Oregon

Game 1: Friday, May 23, 10 p.m., ESPNU
Game 2: Saturday, May 24, 7 p.m., TV TBD
Game 3: Sunday, May 25, TBD

The best of three series will be played in Eugene, Oregon at Jane Sanders Stadium. The winner of the weekend series will be one of eight teams to advance to the Women’s College World Series scheduled to begin May 29 in Oklahoma City.

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NIL drama heats up as Nick Saban warns college football faces bidding war for talent and fairness hangs in the balance

The NIL Conundrum: A Tug of War Over Talent and Equity In the world of college sports, a seismic shift occurred in July 2021 with the introduction of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rules, fundamentally altering the landscape of collegiate athletics. This change, monumental in its scope, has ushered in an era of both opportunity […]

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1 hour ago

May 19, 2025

Your Sports Nation

The NIL Conundrum: A Tug of War Over Talent and Equity

In the world of college sports, a seismic shift occurred in July 2021 with the introduction of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rules, fundamentally altering the landscape of collegiate athletics. This change, monumental in its scope, has ushered in an era of both opportunity and uncertainty. At the heart of the ensuing debate stands a towering figure, Nick Saban, whose voice resonates with authority and concern over the future of college football.

A Visionary’s Warning

Nick Saban, a name synonymous with success in college football, has emerged as a vocal critic of the potential pitfalls associated with the NIL rules. His apprehensions are not unfounded; the specter of college football transforming into an outright bidding war for talent looms large. Saban’s perspective is rooted in a deep understanding of the game and its intricacies. His cautionary stance highlights a critical question: Can the essence of collegiate sports be preserved amid the burgeoning influence of financial incentives?

The Heart of the Matter

The crux of the debate centers around fairness and equity. The NIL rules, while designed to empower student-athletes by allowing them to profit from their name, image, and likeness, also open the door to unprecedented challenges. The fear is that wealthier programs could leverage their financial clout to attract top talent, thereby skewing the competitive balance that is a hallmark of college sports. This potential shift towards a pay-to-play model threatens to undermine the principles of amateurism and equal opportunity that have long defined the collegiate athletic experience.

A Delicate Balance

The introduction of NIL rules represents a watershed moment, offering student-athletes newfound freedoms and opportunities. Yet, it also necessitates a delicate balancing act. Ensuring that the pursuit of financial gain does not eclipse the educational and developmental objectives of college sports is paramount. The challenge lies in crafting a framework that safeguards the interests of all stakeholders—athletes, institutions, and fans alike—while maintaining the integrity of the games.

The Road Ahead

As the landscape of college sports continues to evolve in the wake of NIL rules, the dialogue spearheaded by figures like Nick Saban is crucial. The conversation must navigate the complexities of fairness, equity, and the preservation of the collegiate sports ethos. Finding a middle ground that honors the spirit of competition while embracing the modern realities of athlete compensation will be key to shaping the future of college football.

A Reflection on Values and Vision

The ongoing debate over NIL rules and their impact on college football transcends the immediate concerns of recruitment and competition. It touches upon deeper questions about the values that underpin collegiate sports and the vision for their future. As the discourse unfolds, the insights of seasoned leaders like Nick Saban offer a guiding light. The path forward requires a collective commitment to fairness, integrity, and the enduring principles that have made college sports a cherished tradition. In navigating these uncharted waters, the goal must be to uphold the legacy of collegiate athletics while adapting to the changing times with grace and foresight.

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It’s time to give Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz his flowers

In a college football world driven by NIL, the transfer portal, and an ever-changing College Football Playoff landscape, constants and consistency are words that seem to have less to do with the sport ever year. The exception is Kirk Ferentz and Iowa Football. Ferentz will turn 70 years old in August and kick off his […]

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2 hours ago

May 19, 2025

Your Sports Nation

The exception is Kirk Ferentz and Iowa Football.

Ferentz will turn 70 years old in August and kick off his 27th season at the helm of Hawkeye football just a few weeks later. Both his age and longevity are rarities in today’s game, and that longevity does not happen without a certain level of consistent success.

It’s time for us as college football fans to collectively recognize and respect what Kirk Ferentz has done.

Ferentz took over Iowa football in 1999. Bill Clinton was still in office. If you’re keeping score, we’ve had five different presidents and six different presidencies during Ferentz’s tenure in Iowa City. That alone is a solid bar room conversation starter.

In terms of actual coaching accolades, Kirk Ferentz has three Big Ten division titles and two Big Ten conference championships to his name. He was the AP and Walter Camp National Coach of the Year in 2002 and won the Bobby Dodd, Eddie Robinson, and Woody Hayes National Coach of the Year awards in 2015.

He has also won the Big Ten Coach of the Year award four times.

Ferentz has only had three losing seasons during his 26 years as Iowa’s head coach, and one of those was a result of losing a bowl game to finish with a 6-7 record. When you take out the shortened Covid season of 2020, Iowa averages just shy of 8 wins a season during his tenure. That would be an impressive run for an entire program over that span, let alone a single head coach.

Perhaps his most impressive accomplishment is turning Iowa football into an NFL factory despite its geographic recruiting advantages. Ferentz, his staff, and his system have mastered the art of player development. There are currently 38 former Iowa players on NFL rosters or in NFL camps. Of those 38 players, 20 of them were 3-star recruits according to 247 Sports. Four of them were 2-stars.

Iowa football rarely beats itself on Saturday. Instead, they sit back and wait for opponents to make a mistake. More often than not, the Hawkeyes jump all over that mistake in the form of one big play that turns the tide in their favor.

Kirk Ferentz has given Iowa football and its fans an identity. They are the model of consistency and toughness in college football. They know exactly who they are, and in a world of coaching carousels, you can’t put a price tag on that.

There will be a lot of questions about coaches, teams, players, and playoffs when the 2025 college football season kicks off this August. Thanks to Kirk Ferentz, there will be few questions from anyone about what to expect from a football standpoint in Iowa City, IA.

For us college football purists and old souls, Kirk Ferentz is the last remaining relic from the game we fell in love with. It’s time for the collective college football watching nation to acknowledge and respect what he has done before he leaves the sport.`

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2025 NCAA Softball Tournament: Super Regional matchups officially set

The first stage of the NCAA Tournament has concluded, and we are one step closer to crowning a champion of college softball. Following an exciting Regional round this weekend, the Super Regionals are set. The second stage of the tournament will feature eight best of three series between Regional champions. These matchups will begin play […]

Published

2 hours ago

May 19, 2025

Your Sports Nation

The second stage of the tournament will feature eight best of three series between Regional champions. These matchups will begin play on May 22 and conclude on May 26, if a game three is necessary. The winners of these two cities will meet in Oklahoma City at the 2025 Women’s College World Series later this month.

One of the biggest storylines to follow coming into the tournament is whether or not Patty Gasso and the Oklahoma Sooners can win a fifth-straight NCAA Championship. In their first-year in the SEC, they won the regular season outright and were co-SEC Tournament champions with Texas A&M after a weather delay turned into a cancellation of the conference championship game. Their road to the College World Series is not yet paved, though, and they’ll have some stiff competition if they want to achieve the ultra-rare five-peat.