New Georgia quarterback Jaden Rashada files lawsuit over reported Florida NIL agreement

University of Georgia quarterback Jaden Rashada has filed a lawsuit against Florida coach Billy Napier, a booster, and others, alleging that he was defrauded out of millions of dollars during the University of Florida recruitment process. The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida, Pensacola Division, names Napier, former Gators director of player engagement Marcus Castro-Walker, booster Hugh Hathcock, and his former company, Velocity Automotive Solutions LLC, as defendants.

According to court documents obtained by The Athletic, Rashada claims that he was convinced to switch his commitment from Miami to Florida based on a $13.85 million name, image, and likeness (NIL) deal with the Gator Collective. However, after committing to Florida, Rashada alleges that the amount of NIL money available to him decreased significantly.

Rashada also claims that Napier promised him $1 million if he signed with the Gators on national signing day in 2022, but he never received the payment. The lawsuit further alleges that boosters failed to fulfill their financial commitments as agreed upon.

The filing includes text messages allegedly sent by Castro-Walker to Rashada’s NIL agents during the recruitment process. NCAA rules prohibit the use of NIL deals to entice prospects to sign with specific schools and forbid booster involvement in the recruiting process.

Rashada ultimately signed with Arizona State, where he had a brief stint before transferring to Georgia in April. Despite the legal battle, Rashada is focused on his future with the Bulldogs as he looks to make an impact on the field.