Florida QB Jaden Rashada Sues Coach and Boosters Over $13.85 Million NIL Deal

Former Florida football recruit Jaden Rashada has brought a lawsuit against Gators football head coach Billy Napier, top booster Hugh Hathcock, and former staffer Marcus Castro-Walker over an alleged botched $13.85 million Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deal.

On Dec. 21, 2022, Rashada signed with the Florida Gators, but claimed he never received the $1 million payment advance promised by Napier.

The NCAA has been investigating Florida’s football program since the Summer of 2023 due to Rashada’s recruitment, with President Ben Sasse receiving a notice of inquiry on June 9, 2023.

Rashada, a quarterback prospect, had initially committed to Miami Hurricanes before flipping to Florida, enticed by a $13.85 million offer from Hathcock and a signing bonus from Velocity Automotive.

Allegations in the lawsuit include threats from Castro-Walker to rashada if he did not sign with Florida, suggesting Napier might walk away from the prospect entirely.

The lawsuit claims that promises made by Hathcock, Napier, and others were later pulled back, leading Rashada to withdraw his intent to play at Florida on Jan. 18, 2023.

Rashada eventually committed to Arizona State in July 2023 and later transferred to Georgia to play for the Bulldogs in 2024.

With Hardin representing Rashada, the lawsuit alleges fraudulent misrepresentation, civil conspiracy, tortious interference with a business relationship, and aiding and abetting tortious interference.

Citing the unprecedented nature of an active SEC quarterback suing a sitting rival head coach, the lawsuit highlights the complexities of the NIL landscape.

Full of big promises and subsequent setbacks, the legal battle showcases how player recruitment is evolving in the era of NIL deals.