Jaden Rashada Lawsuit Against Florida Coach Advances to Discovery Phase

A federal judge has ruled that Jaden Rashada's lawsuit against Florida head coach Billy Napier and booster Hugh Hathcock can proceed into the discovery phase, allowing several fraud-related claims to move forward. The lawsuit alleges that Rashada was misled regarding a $13.85 million NIL deal that influenced his decision to commit to Florida over Miami, where he had a $9.5 million offer. Judge M. Casey Rodgers noted that the allegations present a compelling narrative of coordinated deceit among the defendants, claiming they had no intention of honoring the NIL agreements. While some claims, including tortious interference, were dismissed, significant parts of Rashada's case regarding fraudulent inducement and conspiracy remain intact. The outcome of this lawsuit could set a precedent in the evolving landscape of NIL agreements in college sports. Rashada, who has transferred to Arizona State and Georgia since leaving Florida, filed the lawsuit in May 2024, following unmet financial promises from the Gators.