Former NFL Player Allowed to Return to College Football

Jim Gray, a Fox News contributor, discusses a significant court ruling. The decision permits former NFL player, Dae’Quan Wright, to rejoin college sports at LSU. This ruling comes amid a lawsuit by the SEC aimed at obstructing the transition, alongside evolving NCAA eligibility rules for the 2022 draft class.

A Look at Jayden Daniels’ Controversy

Jayden Daniels impressed during his two seasons with the LSU Tigers. His performance earned numerous accolades, including the Heisman Trophy in 2023. Despite his accomplishments, some LSU fans expressed dissatisfaction due to a legal dispute.

During a game at Tiger Stadium, a video on the jumbotron celebrated former LSU players now in the NFL. While most received applause, Daniels faced boos from the crowd. This reaction followed a cease-and-desist letter sent by Daniels and his attorney, Adam Kenner, to LSU, demanding the university stop using his name, image, and likeness without consent.

“Accordingly, LSU must immediately cease and desist from any further issue, use, display, publication, distribution, promotion, commercialization, or other exploitation of Mr. Daniels’ NIL in any manner or medium,” wrote Kenner.

This letter was addressed to LSU Athletic Director Verge Ausberry, indicating any continued use of Daniels’ NIL would be contested legally.

The Jersey Number Dispute

Daniels wore No. 5 at LSU. Currently, DJ Pickett, a sophomore cornerback, has that number, a point of contention. Pickett asserts he wore No. 5 throughout his career and it was promised upon signing with LSU.

Brian Kelly, Daniels’ coach at LSU, recruited Pickett. Now, Lane Kiffin, the former Ole Miss head coach, leads LSU. Kiffin has no prior ties to Daniels during his LSU tenure.

LSU protocol dictates a five-year waiting period for retiring jersey numbers. After Daniels won the Heisman in 2023, there were expectations to retire No. 5. Daniels seemed to believe LSU should have consulted him about assigning his number to another player. For comparison, Joe Burrow’s No. 9 remains unworn since his drafting by the Cincinnati Bengals in 2020.