NIL

New Michigan State AD J Batt’s priority list: build connections, funds

Tom Izzo feels ‘reinvigorated’ by Elite Eight run, MSU basketball MSU head coach Tom Izzo fell to 8-3 in Elite Eight games in a night that was all Auburn from the start in March Madness, March 30, 2025 in Atlanta. J Batt, Michigan State’s new athletic director, faces navigating the university’s political landscape and uniting […]

Published

2 weeks ago

June 4, 2025

Your Sports Nation

J Batt, Michigan State’s new athletic director, faces navigating the university’s political landscape and uniting its power brokers.
Batt’s financial priorities include boosting fundraising, enhancing the NIL structure, and exploring stadium naming rights.
Stabilizing the athletic department’s budget, which has seen recent deficits, is another key task for the new AD.

To say Michigan State athletics is in a transitional and transformative period is an understatement.

It might be the most critical juncture for the school since the 1940s, when John Hannah, Ralph Young and Biggie Munn angled to get the Spartans into the Big Ten.

With college sports at a crossroad between their altruistic past and big-money present, MSU’s new athletic director J Batt arrives from Georgia Tech with a task list that will require a sharpened sense of prioritizing from a host of major needs to move the Spartans back to the forefront in the future.

Batt will be publicly introduced during a news conference at 3 p.m. Wednesday, June 4, inside Breslin Center. His contract is expected to be approved by MSU’s Board of Trustees at their next meeting June 13 in Traverse City.

But as Batt begins his job in East Lansing the week of June 16, there will be a litany of tasks on his agenda before the 2025-26 school year begins Aug. 25, with the football season kicking off four days later. Here is a list of five critical things on the to-do list for MSU’s 21st athletic director (and the school’s first outside hire to the position in 30 years).

1. Learn the political landscape

The prevailing belief is that Batt’s biggest tasks are increasing fundraising and enhancing MSU’s name, image and likeness structure — and they undoubtedly are high-ranking priorities — but none of that gets accomplished without the 43-year-old, who grew up in Virginia, first learning to navigate the tricky political ecosystem that has at times been the school’s biggest roadblock.

Save for a 10-year window of solace and success under Mark Hollis from 2007-17, the school’s internal powerbrokers and biggest benefactors externally often have displayed a bad habit of stunting progress with infighting and insolence. Hollis, along with then-president Lou Anna K. Simon, managed to get those forces pulling in one direction before everything was undone by the Larry Nassar scandal, leaving MSU in limbo and with flagging leadership since 2018. Before their abrupt resignations, Hollis and Simon two also gave the school and athletic program a seat at the head table of college sports with their ability to politic at the national and Big Ten levels while assuaging local political and campus leadership.

Both Hollis and Simon were MSU lifers who knew the history and potential landmines; Batt walks in as a complete outsider, as did current president Kevin Guskiewicz a little more than a year ago. They have known each other for about 25 years, Batt said Tuesday on the “MSU Today” podcast, from his time as a soccer player at North Carolina who participated in Guskiewicz’s concussion research projects before he ascended the ranks of academia.

Building relationships quickly in East Lansing is essential. They will rely on each other’s trust, though both new leaders must lean on Hall of Fame basketball coach Tom Izzo’s 40-plus years of experience at the university in navigating those sometimes-turbulent political waters. But pushing for change as an outsider also can create job-altering friction at MSU. Without the support of the right people, even with a visionary approach, the strongest-willed athletic director can wind up with his hands tied.

2. Touch hearts, open wallets

That also includes connecting with donors.

Finding a way to make both the external NIL collectives externally and internal Spartan Fund financially robust will be a major priority. Batt and Guskiezicz (who in March announced a $4 billion university-wide fundraising effort) are tasked with energizing the donor base that — as is the case at many other universities — is fatigued by the growing need for more money to keep major college athletics afloat.

One of Batt’s primary missions will be analyzing the future of Spartan Stadium and drumming up funds for upgrades or replacement. Departed athletic director Alan Haller this winter said MSU must explore selling naming rights to facilities, a move it previously balked at pursuing; Batt must also connect with the right corporate partners to give his new department as big a financial influx as possible.

3. Stabilize MSU’s spending

The athletic department has struggled to balance the books since before Hollis left and the coronavirus pandemic happened.

In 2023-24, MSU operated at a deficit for the fourth time in five years (under Haller and Bill Beekman before him), with nearly $180.5 million in total operating expenses to more than $163.7 million in total operating revenue, according annual documents filed Jan. 13 with the NCAA and obtained that month by the Free Press and the USA TODAY Network.

The more than $16.7 million shortall came a year after operating at an $11.2 million deficit in 2022-23. The athletic department had a $16.35 million surplus during the 2021-22 fiscal year, but its deficit was $17.8 million in 2019-20 and $15.4 million in 2020-21. The most recent fiscal year report puts the athletic department’s debt at nearly $91 million, up from $68.7 million the previous year.

While trying to get back in the black on the budget, Batt also will have to learn to fiscally manage more sports with the Spartans — 23, to Georgia Tech’s 17 — while being a “fiery athletic director that likes to win,” as he called himself Tuesday on the “MSU Today” podcast.

4. Restructure NIL

With change potentially coming nationally to college sports, getting MSU’s external donor groups on the same page will be essential. The biggest among them who have driven the direction — including Greg Williams of Acrisure, former Izzo player Mat Ishbia of United Wholesale Mortgage, Steve St. Andre of Shift Digital and those within the This is Sparta! collective — all possess financial clout individually. Reaching a higher plateau collectively will be Batt’s mission, using the current benefactors as a starting point to entice more to join, then uniting them all under a new umbrella to prepare for the next pivot when the House settlement kicks in and schools will essentially become distributors of funding.

Izzo understands the need for financing in the new world he’s adapting to, despite winning a Big Ten title while sticking to his principles. And in major college football, the market to pay the NFL-caliber players now required to compete for FBS championships is exploding. That’s just the two primary sports and not taking into account the money needed to pay players in non-revenue sports that Haller left in good position competitively.

5. Focus on future

MSU’s biggest revenue generator remains its football program, and the stadium and on-field product both need refreshing. The excitement of the Mark Dantonio era showed the Spartans still can walk among the giants in the sport, as did the one magical year with running back Kenneth Walker III under coach Mel Tucker that was the outlier of the past decade.

Then comes hard conversations about potentially cutting more sports after Beekman eliminated the men’s and women’s swimming and diving programs in 2021. It is an uncomfortable topic, particularly for a former non-revenue athlete like Batt, who was a goalie on North Carolina’s 2001 national champion men’s soccer team and said he believes in being “in the opportunity business” for student-athletes despite the trend toward professionalism.

And that barely scratches the surface of what lies ahead as Batt leaves the declining Atlantic Coast Conference to try and bring MSU back among the elite of the power-wielding Big Ten.

Contact Chris Solari: csolari@freepress.com. Follow him @chrissolari.

Subscribe to the “Spartan Speak” podcast for new episodes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or anywhere you listen to podcasts. And catch all of our podcasts and daily voice briefing at freep.com/podcasts.

Michigan State athletic directors

Charles Bemies: 1899-1900.
George Denham: 1901-02.
Chester Brewer: 1903-10, 1917, 1919-21.
John Macklin: 1911-15.
George Gauthier: 1916, 1918.
Albert Barron: 1922.
Ralph Young: 1923-54.
Clarence “Biggie” Munn: 1954-72.
J. Burt Smith: 1972-75.
John D. Shingleton: 1975-76.
Joe Kearney: 1976-80.
Doug Weaver: 1980-90.
George Perles: 1990-92.
Merrily Dean Baker: 1992-95.
Merritt Norvell: 1995-99.
Clarence Underwood: 1999-2002.
Ron Mason: 2002-07.
Mark Hollis: 2007-18.
Bill Beekman: 2018-2021.
Alan Haller: 2021-May 1, 2025.
J Batt: Hired June 2, 2025 (begins week of June 16).

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NIL

Wisconsin, NIL collective sue Miami, allege tampering to land football player

The University of Wisconsin and its Name, Image and Likeness collective, VC Connect, filed a joint lawsuit Friday against the University of Miami alleging it knowingly induced one of the Badgers’ football players to abandon a lucrative NIL contract to play for the Hurricanes this upcoming season. Allegations of tampering rarely get to this level […]

Published

4 minutes ago

June 21, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Allegations of tampering rarely get to this level and the 23-page lawsuit, which was filed in state court in Wisconsin and obtained by the Associated Press, is unusual. Depending on its resolution, it could have a a wider impact on future NIL deals across college athletics.

The player in question in the filing is referred to only as “Student-Athlete A.” But the case summary describes facts that line up with the situation involving cornerback Xavier Lucas, who last December announced his plans to enter the transfer portal.

Shortly afterward, Darren Heitner, who has been representing Lucas, indicated Wisconsin was refusing to put Lucas’ name in the portal and it was hindering his ability to talk with other schools. In January, Heitner announced Lucas will play for Miami this fall.

The situation is fallout from the rapid changes engulfing college athletics, specifically a combination of two things: Athletes went to court and won the ability to transfer with much more freedom and the 2021 NCAA decision clearing the way for them to strike NIL endorsement deals now worth millions of dollars. That has changed the recruiting landscape and forced the issue of contracts and signed commitments to the fore.

“Indeed, student-athletes’ newfound NIL rights will be rendered meaningless if third parties are allowed to induce student-athletes to abandon their contractual commitments,” a portion of the lawsuit reads.

Wisconsin said in January it had credible information that Miami and Lucas made impermissible contact with each other before the former Badgers cornerback decided to transfer.

Wisconsin and VC Connect allege the inducement for Lucas to attend Miami happened within days of him entering his NIL agreement to play for the Badgers, and they incurred substantial monetary and reputational harm. The lawsuit seeks unspecified monetary damages and “a declaration that Miami’s conduct directed towards Student-Athlete A constituted tampering.”

A message left with the University of Miami seeking comment was not immediately returned. In a text message Friday, Heitner declined to comment on the lawsuit but he said Lucas still plans to attend Miami and play football.

Wisconsin said it had the support of its leadership and the Big Ten Conference in filing the lawsuit, noting its commitment to “ensuring integrity and fundamental fairness in the evolving landscape of college athletics.”

“While we reluctantly bring this case, we stand by our position that respecting and enforcing contractual obligations is essential to maintaining a level playing field,” the statement said. “In addition to our legal action, we will continue to be proactive to protect the interests of our student-athletes, our program and the broader collegiate athletics community.

Lucas, who is from Pompano Beach, Fla., had 12 tackles, an interception and a sack as a freshman for Wisconsin last season.

Heitner said Lucas hasn’t received any money from Wisconsin and therefore owes no money to the school. Heitner also argued Wisconsin had violated an NCAA bylaw by not entering Lucas into the transfer database within two business days of the player’s request.

Wisconsin issued a statement at the time saying it hadn’t put Lucas’ name in the portal because he had entered a two-year binding NIL agreement.

In April, the surprise transfers of brothers Nico and Madden Iamaleava from Tennessee to UCLA prompted fresh questions about contracts and buyouts.

Nico Iamaleava, who led Tennessee to the College Football Playoff last season, walked away from a reported $2.4-million NIL contract. Arkansas freshman quarterback Madden Iamaleava entered the portal after spring practices wrapped up.

Arkansas athletic director Hunter Yurachek released a statement indicating he would support efforts by the Razorbacks’ NIL collective to enforce buyout clauses in athlete contracts. Iamaleava reportedly had a contract valued at $500,000 upon signing with Arkansas.

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WVU athletics launch NIL initiative Gold & Blue Enterprises

West Virginia running back Jahiem White (1) against Arizona in the first half during an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024, in Tucson, Ariz. College sports are rapidly evolving, and recently, it took another step to the professional level after a judge in California settled on a revenue-sharing agreement between the NCAA and […]

Published

2 hours ago

June 21, 2025

Your Sports Nation

West Virginia running back Jahiem White (1) against Arizona in the first half during an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024, in Tucson, Ariz.

College sports are rapidly evolving, and recently, it took another step to the professional level after a judge in California settled on a revenue-sharing agreement between the NCAA and players. Now, athletes are allowed to play directly for schools up to about $20 million a year on top of the NIL money. The NIL money is now regulated under the new CEO of the College Sports Commission, Bryan Seeley.

West Virginia and AD Wren Baker released a statement on the new ruling and stated West Virginia planned “for this day for a long time to best position our department for long-term success,” and they weren’t joking around.

Wednesday morning, West Virginia athletics announced the creation of Gold & Blue Enterprises, which is an initiative to “enhance the Mountaineers’ competitive edge,” according to a press release.

The program’s main features are to create a comprehensive NIL support, collaborate with strategic partners, build an innovative business structure, and dedicate leadership and governance.

The comprehensive NIL support is supposed to create services that help student athletes grow their brand to maximize their NIL potential and help with education. WVU already has some NIL collectives, like the Country Roads Trust, but this is the university’s collective. This goes hand in hand with the strategic partners part, which connects student athletes with agencies to make endorsement opportunities.

The innovative business is vague, but it’s said Gold & Blue Enterprises is operating with a “private-sector approach,” supporting the long-term sustainability of WVU sports.

A dedicated leadership and governance is supposed to be created too, but who will be a part of that hasn’t been announced.

This type of university NIL initiative isn’t something new. Once the ruling changed, multiple schools created something like this. Almost all schools had these types of supports created a couple of months ago when this case was brought to the courts in the early spring. In the release, it states that Gold & Blue Enterprises “draws inspiration” from other schools.

There is a dedicated site, goldandblueenterprises.com, but it’s very barebones as of now. It’s mainly a link to donate.

The timeliness of this release shows Baker’s commitment to making WVU consistently competitive and giving the coaches, who have been hired most recently under his leadership, the tools to succeed. Now, the coaches have to do their part and show it on the field/court.

“The launch of Gold & Blue Enterprises is a major breakthrough for WVU Athletics and its student-athletes,” Baker said in the release. “We are taking a hands-on approach to maximize Name, Image and Likeness opportunities for our students and develop innovative partnerships to generate the revenues we need to thrive. I want to thank everyone involved with helping to create and launch this proactive business venture that will work to keep WVU relevant and winning on the national stage. In today’s competitive NIL industry, the launch of GBE is a victory for all Mountaineers.”

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NIL

Why Wisconsin’s lawsuit against Miami brings ‘unprecedented’ moment to college football

In an unprecedented moment in college football, the University of Wisconsin and its NIL collective filed a complaint Friday against the University of Miami, alleging tortious interference. Filed Friday in a Wisconsin state circuit court, the Badgers allege that Miami poached freshman defensive back Xavier Lucas, who had signed a revenue-sharing contract with Wisconsin. It […]

Published

3 hours ago

June 21, 2025

Your Sports Nation

In an unprecedented moment in college football, the University of Wisconsin and its NIL collective filed a complaint Friday against the University of Miami, alleging tortious interference. Filed Friday in a Wisconsin state circuit court, the Badgers allege that Miami poached freshman defensive back Xavier Lucas, who had signed a revenue-sharing contract with Wisconsin.

It is uncharted waters in college football. In the 23-page suit, Wisconsin is seeking financial damages and a judgment that Miami’s actions “wrongfully interfere with contractual commitments.” Beyond that, however, Wisconsin is enforcing its contract with Lucas. The defensive back’s attorney, Darren Heitner, told On3 on Friday that Lucas was never compensated through the deal by Wisconsin.

Lucas is not named in the suit, instead cited as “Student Athlete A.” But Lucas publicly left Wisconsin for Miami this winter without ever entering the transfer portal. Heitner previously alleged Wisconsin of violating NCAA rules by not putting Lucas into the transfer portal after multiple requests. In the complaint filed Friday, Wisconsin alleges that a Miami staff member and alumnus met Lucas and his family at a relative’s home in Florida.

“Accordingly, at the conclusion of the 2024 season, UW-Madison and VC Connect offered, negotiated, and executed separate NIL contracts with Student-Athlete A, under which he would receive one of the most lucrative NIL financial commitments of any UW-Madison football player,” the complaint states. “Within days of contract execution, however, Miami knowingly induced Student-Athlete A to abandon his contractual commitments to Plaintiffs. As a result of Miami’s actions, Student-Athlete A abruptly left UW-Madison’s football program and enrolled at Miami, causing Plaintiffs to suffer substantial pecuniary and reputational harm.

“Miami’s actions are in direct contravention of not only the NCAA’s established anti-tampering rules—rules designed to maintain the integrity of the transfer process and ensure fair competition among member institutions—but also established contract and tort law.”

In another unprecedented situation, the Big Ten has publicly voiced its backing of Wisconsin for filing the suit, telling On3 in a statement that, “The University of Miami’s actions are irreconcilable with a sustainable college sports framework and is supportive of UW-Madison’s efforts to preserve.” Miami did not immediately respond to a request for comment from On3.

The suit will also put the NCAA transfer rules to the test. In recent years, the college football transfer portal has come under fire from coaches due to the ease with which athletes can hit free agency. Athletes have turned the portal into a payday, too, leveraging schools against each other for the highest contract offer.

But with the House v. NCAA settlement set to officially begin on July 1, revenue-sharing contracts have been drawn up by most of the Power Four in the last six months. Tampering has become prominent in the portal, but there has been minimal enforcement from the NCAA, which has been handicapped by lawsuits.

How a judge decides to rule on this lawsuit could define how the transfer portal is enforced and how revenue-sharing contracts will hold up in the courtroom. It could also prove to be a precedent-setting move if NIL contracts can keep athletes from transferring.

College athletes are currently not classified as employees and do not have collective bargaining power.

“These are the type of tampering allegations that are typically fought behind closed doors at the professional sports level based on the leagues’ collective bargaining agreement,” sports lawyer and professor Dan Lust told On3. “Here, in the absence of any type of similar mechanism at the collegiate level, this dispute is going to be fought in open court for the world to see the complex interplay of forces in and around the transfer portal. This is truly an unprecedented case and one that commands the attention of the college sports world.”

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NIL

PLEASE STOP CONFUSING NIL WITH REVENUE SHARING – Clemson Football Forum

Replies: 20 | visibility 1598 Clemson Conqueror [11260] TigerPulse: 100% 46 4 Jun 20, 2025, 12:59 PM NIL is not part of the REVENUE sharing plan that went into effect this year. The student athlete is paid an appropriate amount of money to join the team. Clemson has elected to allocate 85% of their revenue […]

Published

4 hours ago

June 21, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Replies: 20

| visibility 1598

Clemson Conqueror [11260]

TigerPulse: 100%

Jun 20, 2025, 12:59 PM

NIL is not part of the REVENUE sharing plan that went into effect this year. The student athlete is paid an appropriate amount of money to join the team. Clemson has elected to allocate 85% of their revenue sharing plan which is capped at $21M, to their football program. Meaning, each member on the team will receive a payment in some form. There are minimum requirements to satisfy the House Settlement, however some players will receive a bump from the revenue share based upon performance.

NIL on the other hand is private money from boosters which now must make public donations to the school for the purposes of recruitment and/or retention within the student body’s athletic department. NIL is being offered only to players who perform well and choose to return to Clemson to play additional seasons. NIL money is still governed somewhat by the school to my understanding and the coaching staff has a partial say in how much is offered. However, NIL is more complex than the revenue sharing plan that is actually required by the House Settlement. NO TRUE FRESHMAN FOOTBALL PLAYER AT CLEMSON HAS RECEIVED ANY NIL MONEY TO DATE.

REVENUE SHARING

This is now a requirement under the House Settlement whereas, the school must pay its athletes who are on scholarship. This has now changed the rules regarding scholarship limits and has prohibited the use of walk-ons. Meaning, now everyone is a scholarship player if they’re on the roster. This now requires the school to pay said player. It is a requirement more so based upon labor laws and not so much recruitment efforts. The reason for this is because in previous contractual clauses under scholarship offers, it prohibits said player from obtaining employment which creates financial hardships on the student athlete.

NIL

This money comes directly from booster programs or Corporations that want to use the Name, Image, or Likeness of a player. The coaches have power to offer NIL to players for either recruitment or retention. Clemson Football has chosen to use NIL expressly for retention whenever it comes their program, according to Dabo Swinney. Dabo himself has incorporated that aspect of NIL. However, the player who is on the roster does receive a paycheck from Clemson as if they’re under a contract with Clemson by way of athletic scholarship. In addition to that revenue share, they also receive a full scholarship which encompasses free food, housing, and medical care. Revenue sharing is capped, NIL on the other hand is not.

NIL is paid into the Clemson NIL department by boosters and corporations that want to support recruitment and retention. Even if a student blows through their revenue sharing money Clemson will have no recourse if they are dismissed, because it is paid from the moment they walk on to the campus and begin practice. However, the school has no recourse on recouping that money because he or she technically earned it by practicing and participating in team functions. In the future, NIL money may be recouped by way of buyout clauses because NIL is private money that is paid out to the school’s NIL program by third parties which have a vested interest in that money. Of course, that has not yet been fully established, but there is hope for that additional regulation or allowance due to players jumping from team to team to earn an easy payout without having to contribute to the success of a program. Nico Imaleava is a prime example of where a buyout clause would prevent such behavior.

HOPE THIS HELPS! GO TIGERS! BEAT THE CRAP OUT OF EVERYONE!

Ultimate Tiger [34726]

TigerPulse: 100%

Posts: 19412

Joined: 2000

Re: PLEASE STOP CONFUSING NIL WITH REVENUE SHARING

Jun 20, 2025, 1:07 PM

All and all…it’s only $$$!

Orange Phenom [14735]

TigerPulse: 100%

You dont really know this statement to be true

Jun 20, 2025, 1:26 PM

” NO TRUE FRESHMAN FOOTBALL PLAYER AT CLEMSON HAS RECEIVED ANY NIL MONEY TO DATE.”. Like you said NIL is private money; therefore it doesn’t have to be disclosed. Dabo doesn’t promise NIL money to high school kids, but that doesn’t mean someone hasn’t taken it upon themselves to pursue a kid on their own.

Orange Elite [5469]

TigerPulse: 44%

Posts: 17770

Joined: 2005

There is just no way it’s true

Jun 20, 2025, 1:56 PM

because everyone else is paying high school recruits.

We’re all doing it. There is no reason to be ashamed of it.

National Champion [8082]

TigerPulse: 100%

Re: There is just no way it’s true

Jun 20, 2025, 2:18 PM

Its been pretty widely reported Cade is making like 3 million this upcoming season. No idea why anyone would think our team of 4 and 5 stars are here because they enjoy the SC climate.

Clemson Conqueror [11260]

TigerPulse: 100%

Re: There is just no way it’s true

Jun 20, 2025, 5:00 PM

Cade is not a true freshman, and his NIL was used as retention.

Oculus Spirit [42336]

TigerPulse: 100%

Posts: 18908

Joined: 2015

Re: There is just no way it’s true

Jun 20, 2025, 3:42 PM

[ in reply to There is just no way it’s true ]

Well technically SC gamecocks should be ashamed of it because they have nothing to show for their money.

Clemson Conqueror [11260]

TigerPulse: 100%

Re: There is just no way it’s true

Jun 20, 2025, 9:59 PM

Well technically SC gamecocks should be ashamed of it because they have nothing to show for their money.

This is literally the funniest thing I’ve read all week. I’ve read this comment no less than 5 times and each time I read it, I laugh even harder than before.

Athletic Dir [1131]

TigerPulse: 84%

Re: You dont really know this statement to be true

Jun 20, 2025, 1:58 PM

[ in reply to You dont really know this statement to be true ]

You can’t tell this guy anything.

There is zero chance we aren’t including NIL in our recruiting pitch.

If we were going after a bunch of guys that were Wofford or Furman caliber then maybe but we’re not.

We go after the big time guys and go head to head with the most prominent programs in the country.

These guys aren’t choosing Clemson out of just pure love for Clemson. There is absolutely NIL involved.

I don’t care what this dude or anyone else says.

Clemson Conqueror [11260]

TigerPulse: 100%

Re: You dont really know this statement to be true

Jun 20, 2025, 5:01 PM

It’s in the pitch, but each player automatically earns close to 6 figures just by joining the team. If they perform in practice even if they redshirt and they make serious progress they will be offered some serious money for returning to play another season. It’s exactly how Dabo Swinney has openly stated his team will use NIL proceeds.

Clemson Conqueror [11260]

TigerPulse: 100%

Re: You dont really know this statement to be true

Jun 20, 2025, 4:59 PM

[ in reply to You dont really know this statement to be true ]

Actually, Dabo Swinney has openly stated that NIL is used for retention only. Basketball, Baseball, Soccer, etc. has their own say in how they use NIL money. However, as far as Dabo Swinney is concerned, it’s reserved for retention and not recruitment. Although, based upon past performance, of portal transfers maybe some deals have been made, but not for a high school recruit.

Athletic Dir [1131]

TigerPulse: 84%

Re: You dont really know this statement to be true

Jun 20, 2025, 7:53 PM

Yes… Dabo did say that… like 2 years ago bro.

Things have changed drastically since he made that statement. Like us losing almost half a recruiting class bc of it.

He changed his stance on that pretty quickly after seeing what happened to last years class the same way he finally gave in and brought in a handful of real transfers.

Bro we can argue til the cows come home but it won’t matter.

You’re wrong… period.

Campus Hero [13277]

TigerPulse: 98%

Posts: 12910

Joined: 2003

Re: You dont really know this statement to be true

Jun 20, 2025, 5:02 PM

[ in reply to You dont really know this statement to be true ]

We know incoming recruits are being paid. Dabo is not entering into bidding wars but to think Clemson is getting a bunch of high-end recruits without paying the going rate is insanity.

110%er [3808] TigerPulse: 100% 35

All-Pro [798]

TigerPulse: 100%

Re: PLEASE STOP CONFUSING NIL WITH REVENUE SHARING

Jun 20, 2025, 3:18 PM

Too many angry letters in this post. Turn off caps lock?

Campus Hero [13860]

TigerPulse: 100%

Re: PLEASE STOP CONFUSING NIL WITH REVENUE SHARING

Jun 20, 2025, 3:47 PM

He has summoned his inner DEROBERTS

Clemson Conqueror [11260]

TigerPulse: 100%

Re: PLEASE STOP CONFUSING NIL WITH REVENUE SHARING

Jun 20, 2025, 5:02 PM

He has summoned his inner DEROBERTS

TELL EM CAP-ON!

Clemson Conqueror [11108]

TigerPulse: 61%

Posts: 14094

Joined: 2006

Re: PLEASE STOP CONFUSING NIL WITH REVENUE SHARING

Jun 20, 2025, 4:06 PM

How do you know no freshman has received NIL money? NIL could be anything from doing an ad for your small town car dealership, to the local greasy spoon, to major companies. If NIL was just simple endorsements the way it was designed to be, wouldn’t the world be a better place?

Paw Master [16222]

TigerPulse: 100%

Posts: 16397

Joined: 2010

Re: PLEASE STOP CONFUSING NIL WITH REVENUE SHARING

Jun 20, 2025, 5:45 PM

Remember when schools had to worry about giving a recruit an extra desert or boosters giving players $100 hand shakes after a game? Ahhhh, Simple times they were!

Clemson Conqueror [11423]

TigerPulse: 100%

Re: PLEASE STOP CONFUSING NIL WITH REVENUE SHARING

Jun 20, 2025, 8:04 PM

TL;DR

New rules with profit sharing will make pay for play NIL illegal and punishable. If they have a deal with Gatorade or Nike they are approved but booster paying will be illegal.

Campus Hero [13860]

TigerPulse: 100%

Re: PLEASE STOP CONFUSING NIL WITH REVENUE SHARING

Jun 20, 2025, 11:45 PM

No it wont! I own XYZ construction company and I can pay Fat Albert to choose Clemson and all we have to do is tell the university that Fat Albert is gonna ride on my float in the town parade next Corn Days parade. Fatty can take my money and he earned it for advertising my float.

Yall act like this new ruling is a cure, it only helps those that did not have funds for the most part. It may reduce the wild west since funds have to be more public but do they really care??

Players can still be bought, period! Tampering is not stamped out!

Replies: 20

| visibility 1598

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The University of Wisconsin sues Miami for allegedly tampering with former Badger Xavier Lucas

MADISON – The Xavier Lucas saga is far from over. Yahoo Sports reported June 20 that the University of Wisconsin and its NIL collective, the Varsity Collective, are suing the University of Miami for what is termed tortious interference with the former Badgers cornerback who is now a part of the Miami Hurricanes football team. […]

Published

4 hours ago

June 21, 2025

Your Sports Nation

MADISON – The Xavier Lucas saga is far from over.

Yahoo Sports reported June 20 that the University of Wisconsin and its NIL collective, the Varsity Collective, are suing the University of Miami for what is termed tortious interference with the former Badgers cornerback who is now a part of the Miami Hurricanes football team.

The Journal Sentinel obtained a copy of the 23-page complaint filed in Dane County Circuit Court on June 20. In the document Wisconsin provides a timeline for the NIL agreements it and the Varsity Collective reached with Lucas, offers details of how it alleges the Miami football program tampered with Lucas and allege a broader pattern of tampering in the Miami program with other student-athletes.

Wisconsin seeks damages for the financial and reputational harm it says it experienced, a declaration that Miami’s conduct with Lucas constituted tampering plus any other penalty the court deems proper.

“Now more than ever, it is imperative to protect the integrity and fundamental fairness of the game, including in connection with NIL contracts,” the complaint read. “Indeed, student-athletes’ newfound NIL rights will be rendered meaningless if third parties are allowed to induce student-athletes to abandon their contractual commitments.”

Xavier Lucas had a promising freshman season at Wisconsin

The case stems from Lucas’ controversial departure from the Badgers football program in December. The native of Pompano Beach, Florida, announced his intention to transfer Dec. 19.

Losing Lucas was a blow to UW, which already had lost a handful of players from the secondary to the transfer portal. According to Pro Football Focus, Lucas played more snaps (203) than any freshman on the team last season. He played in all 12 games with one start and registered 18 tackles, one interception and one sack.

With the transfer portal scheduled to close Dec. 28, Lucas posted on X that the Wisconsin football program wrongfully declined to enter his name into the portal, a move that prevented other teams from contacting him without breaking NCAA rules.

In January, Lucas circumvented the transfer portal by withdrawing from Wisconsin and enrolling at Miami. He eventually joined Miami’s football team and participated in spring practice with the Hurricanes.

A few days after Lucas left UW, Wisconsin offered its side of the story. In a statement issued on Jan. 18, the university said it didn’t put Lucas’ name into the transfer portal because he signed a two-year NIL agreement Dec. 2 that it believed was still in effect and enforceable. The university also said Lucas entered into a separate agreement with Varsity Collective, which connects Badger athletes with NIL opportunities.

Wisconsin also said in its January statement that it had credible information that indicated impermissible contact between Lucas and University of Miami personnel.

That information was detailed further in Wisconsin’s legal complaint.

MADISON, WISCONSIN - AUGUST 30: Xavier Lucas #6 of the Wisconsin Badgers intercepts a pass in the fourth quarter against the Western Michigan Broncos at Camp Randall Stadium on August 30, 2024 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images) — MADISON, WISCONSIN – AUGUST 30: Xavier Lucas #6 of the Wisconsin Badgers intercepts a pass in the fourth quarter against the Western Michigan Broncos at Camp Randall Stadium on August 30, 2024 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images)

Wisconsin outlines its allegations against Miami

The complaint provides more specific details of the allegations UW made against Miami in December, which include impermissible contact on multiple occasions with Lucas or his representatives. The complaint refers to Lucas as “Student-Athlete A” rather than using his name.

Among the allegations:

* A Miami coach and prominent alumnus visited Lucas at the Florida home of one of his relatives in December. UW says it received information about the in-home visit from a relative of Lucas on Dec. 18.

* UW accused Miami of a broader culture of tampering, alleging that Miami went after a second player even though that player made a written commitment to another school, a commitment that was reflected in the transfer portal. The player wasn’t identified by name.

The University of Wisconsin, Big Ten issue statements

UW issued a statement. Here it is in its entirety.

“The University of Wisconsin-Madison remains committed to ensuring integrity and fundamental fairness in the evolving landscape of college athletics. After reviewing all facts and evaluating options, the university today filed a complaint in Wisconsin state court outlining our allegations against the University of Miami.

“While we reluctantly bring this case, we stand by our position that respecting and enforcing contractual obligations is essential to maintaining a level playing field. In addition to our legal action, we will continue to be proactive to protect the interests of our student-athletes, our program and the broader collegiate athletics community. We appreciate the support of our university leadership and the Big Ten Conference. As we move forward, we will respect the court process and provide further updates only as appropriate.”

The Big Ten Conference, which publically supported UW in January, continued to voice its support.

Here is the statement the league issued to Yahoo on June 20.

“We stand by our position that respecting and enforcing contractual obligations is essential to maintaining a level playing field,” the statement said. “In addition to our legal acton, we will continue to be proactive to protect the interests of our student-athletes, our program and the broader collegiate athletics community.”

An email seeking comment from the University of Miami has not received a response.

This story was updated with new information.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Wisconsin files lawsuit against Miami over Xavier Lucas’ departure

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Wisconsin, NIL collective file joint lawsuit on Miami for tampering

The University of Wisconsin and its NIL collective VC Connect filed a joint lawsuit on Friday against the University of Miami alleging it knowingly induced one of the Badgers’ football players to abandon a lucrative name, image and likeness contract to play for the Florida team this upcoming season. Allegations of tampering rarely get to […]

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5 hours ago

June 21, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Wisconsin, NIL collective file joint lawsuit on Miami for tampering

Allegations of tampering rarely get to this level and the 23-page lawsuit, which was filed in state court in Wisconsin and obtained by The Associated Press, is unusual. Depending on its resolution, it could have a wider impact on future NIL deals across college athletics.

Shortly afterward, Darren Heitner, who has been representing Lucas, indicated that Wisconsin was refusing to put Lucas’ name in the portal and that it was hindering his ability to talk with other schools. In January, Heitner announced that Lucas would be playing for Miami this fall.