On Tuesday, Jaden Rashada filed a complaint against Florida coach Billy Napier and others involved with the Gators football team, causing a stir in college football circles. However, according to one story, Georgia’s Kirby Smart approved of what may escalate the rivalry between the two institutions.
Most people in college football were not surprised that Jaden Rashada was suing those involved with the football program for the $13.8 million NIL deal that went awry at Florida. This entire matter appeared to be coming to a climax, whether it was the actual narrative or Rashada seeking compensation for money lost during the ‘deal’ to join with Florida.
Many were surprised to learn that Kirby Smart had given Jaden Rashada permission to launch the lawsuit only a few weeks after committing to play for Georgia. To be clear, this case was not filed within the last month; it has been in the works for a long time, led by pitbull lawyer Rusty Hardin.
The complaint alleges that Billy Napier, Marcus Castro-Walker, and megadonor Hugh Hathcock committed fraud in the initial plan that would have had Rashada sign with the Gators. All of this will take place behind the scenes, with a settlement being the most likely outcome if the parties being sued believe the plaintiffs have a valid case.
But, let’s be honest, Napier and those listed in the action don’t want to get into the discovery phase of this process, which involves revealing communications such as text messages, emails, and phone calls. If the charges are true, this could undoubtedly open up a whole new can of worms that might harm the reputation of individuals being sued.
Kirby Smart reportedly gave his blessing for the Rashada lawsuit.
According to CBS Sports, Kirby Smart offered the Rashada family permission to pursue the lawsuit, and Jaden has enrolled at Athens to play quarterback. So one would expect that Kirby Smart’s statement about being okay with this moving ahead would infuriate those in the Florida sports department.
There’s a reason that detail was included in the CBS broadcast, most likely because Georgia wanted it out there. So why not? It’s not like Kirby Smart is going to tell a youngster what he can and cannot do with his life or money.
However, with the SEC Spring Meetings beginning on Monday in Florida, I expect Billy Napier and Kirby Smart’s interactions to be less friendly than in the past. Before heading down to Destin, Nick Saban and Jimbo Fisher were slinging insults about the NIL and recruiting.
Now, SEC commissioner Greg Sankey has made it obvious to both parties that the bickering must cease, at least in public. However, this did not imply a pleasant atmosphere behind the scenes. Now that Billy Napier is being sued, I expect the two coaches will have the same chat before mounting the podium next week.
Billy Napier is unlikely to discuss the subject, claiming that he is unable to do so due to an ongoing legal matter. But that doesn’t mean it will be easy for Kirby, who will be questioned about the case as well, given that it includes one of his athletes and the ‘gave his blessing’ component.
Only one thing is certain. There will be chats if they have not previously exchanged beautiful SMS messages.
Just when you thought the SEC Spring meetings were going to be entirely focused on the NCAA settlement and forthcoming revenue sharing, Jaden Rashada filed a complaint against Florida’s head coach, with the purported approval of Kirby Smart.
According to one story, the ambiance within the halls of the Hilton in Destin, Florida, has suddenly gotten much spicier.
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