Former FSU Basketball Stars Take Legal Action

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – In a bold move that has sent shockwaves through college basketball, six former Florida State University (FSU) basketball players have filed a lawsuit against Seminoles head coach Leonard Hamilton. The players allege that Hamilton failed to deliver on his promise of $250,000 each for name, image, and likeness (NIL) compensation.

The Lawsuit and Complaints

The lawsuit, filed in Leon County circuit court, names former players Darin Green Jr., De'Ante Green, Cam'Ron Fletcher, Josh Nickelberry, Primo Spears, and Jalen Warley as plaintiffs. Their attorney, Darren Heitner, from Fort Lauderdale, shared a detailed 20-page complaint highlighting the players' grievances.

According to the lawsuit, the players claim that Hamilton made these financial promises based on funds he would receive from his “business partners.” In a shocking turn of events, the players are reported to have walked out of a practice session last season to protest the unpaid NIL payments, with an initial plan to boycott an upcoming game against Duke on February 17.

The players ultimately participated in the game, which FSU lost; however, they say they did so only after Hamilton assured them he would soon fulfill his financial commitments—a promise that has not yet been honored.

Legal and NCAA Implications

While no legal representation for Hamilton has been cited in the lawsuit, the case highlights the mounting pressure and complications surrounding NIL deals for college athletes. This legal action is particularly noteworthy as the NCAA's landscape continues to rapidly evolve with these new compensation opportunities for student-athletes.

The complaint reportedly includes text-message exchanges between the players as well as communications between the players and Hamilton, which could play a crucial role in the case.

FSU's Current Performance and Future

FSU's basketball performance has also been under scrutiny, finishing last season with a record of 17-16, including a 10-10 standing in the competitive Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). As Hamilton navigates his last year of a contract at 76 years old, questions surrounding the program's future and his leadership arise, especially with the current team showing a record of 9-4 this season, but struggling at 0-2 in league play.

Players' Status and Future Opportunities

None of the plaintiffs remain on the team as they have either completed their college eligibility or transferred to other schools: Darin Green and Nickelberry have moved on, while the others have found new opportunities at different programs—Spears is now at UTSA, Fletcher at Xavier, De'Ante Green at South Florida, and Warley is currently redshirting at Gonzaga.

Conclusion

This lawsuit marks another significant episode in the ongoing saga of NIL legal battles as more former student-athletes seek justice and accountability for unfulfilled promises. Will these players receive the compensation they were promised? The world will be watching closely as this case unfolds!