sport news Florida releases highly touted QB recruit Jaden Rashada 'after collective ... trends now
In shift that could significantly impact the college football-recruiting landscape, highly touted high school quarterback Jaden Rashada has been released from his National Letter of Intent by the Florida Gators over issues with an endorsement deal connected to his initial decision to attend the school.
Rashada's decision came after the Gator Collective — an independent fundraising group that's loosely tied to the university and pays student-athletes for use of their name, image and likeness — failed to honor a four-year deal worth more than $13 million, according to a person familiar with the situation. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because neither side acknowledged the split publicly.
The high-profile case will, at the very least, prompt changes at Florida. It also could lead to a lawsuit and potentially an NCAA investigation.
In shift that could significantly impact the college football-recruiting landscape, highly touted high school quarterback Jaden Rashada has been released from his National Letter of Intent by the Florida Gators over issues with an endorsement deal connected to his initial decision to attend the school
WHAT HAPPENED?
Rashada switched his verbal commitment from Miami to Florida on Nov. 10. Rashada, his representatives and the Gator Collective had presumably agreed to terms on a lucrative NIL deal at the time of his flip.
One of Florida's top boosters, millionaire businessman Hugh Hathcock, tweeted 'Tomorrow will be a Great Day Gator Fans!!!' the night before Rashada's announcement. The following day, less than five hours before Rashada publicly announced his flip, Hathcock tweeted 'All Good!!! Just a little longer!!!'
The deal fell apart less than a month later. The Athletic reported that Gator Collective CEO Eddie Rojas sent a termination letter to Rashada and his reps on Dec. 7. It's unclear why the deal crumbled, but a source with knowledge of the negotiations told the AP that not all of the financial backers were aware that the signed deal had increased from roughly $5 million over four years to more than $13 million.
Rashada failed to enroll with other signees days after playing in a Jan. 3 all-star game in nearby Orlando. The 19-year-old eventually returned to the West Coast.
