"Rashada sued Napier and Gators booster Hugh Hathcock in 2024, claiming that both men defrauded him by backing out of promises for a name, image and likeness contract worth as much as $13.85 million. The lawsuit -- which also included a former Florida football staff member and Hathcock's auto dealership as defendants -- was the first of its kind in college sports' era of paid athletes."
""He's a bright young man with great judgement. He thought it was time to move on," Hardin told ESPN on Tuesday. "He made the point he wanted to make and now he's ready to go play football." Rashada signed last month to play for Mississippi State in the 2026 season. He has made previous stops at Arizona State, Georgia and Sacramento State since withdrawing his intent to play for the Gators as a high school senior."
Jaden Rashada reached a settlement with former Florida coach Billy Napier and booster Hugh Hathcock over a 2024 lawsuit alleging they backed out of promises tied to a name, image and likeness deal potentially worth $13.85 million. The case included additional defendants and a dealership and was described as the first of its kind in the college sports NIL era. Attorney Rusty Hardin confirmed the settlement and quoted Rashada as ready to move on. Rashada signed to play at Mississippi State for 2026 after prior stops at Arizona State, Georgia and Sacramento State. Napier was fired by Florida in October and later hired at James Madison; he was scheduled to be deposed the week the parties settled.
Read at ESPN.com
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