The impact of the Jaden Rashada lawsuit on Billy Napier and Florida Gators football
Georgia’s backup quarterback is suing a rival SEC coach. Welcome to college football in 2024.
In a lawsuit filed this week, Jaden Rashada is suing a top Florida booster, a former football staffer, and Gators coach Billy Napier after Rashada’s NIL deal with Florida fell apart while he was a blue-chip prospect.
Rashada’s attorney alleges that the defendants defrauded the quarterback. Rashada is seeking over $10 million in damages and has requested a jury trial.
In this edition of “SEC Football Unfiltered,” host Blake Toppmeyer of the USA TODAY Network is joined by the Gainesville Sun’s Kevin Brockway to discuss the lawsuit and its implications for Florida and its embattled coach, Napier.
This lawsuit may never reach a courtroom, but it’s the latest blow for a coach who has posted an 11-14 record over the past two seasons.
Let’s break it down:
What implications does this lawsuit have for Florida and Billy Napier?
Brockway: This isn’t the worst-case scenario for Florida and Napier, especially considering the NCAA investigation into Rashada has been paused due to the Nico Iamaleava NIL case. However, it’s not a good look for a program that prides itself on integrity. It could affect recruiting, although Florida’s NIL situation has improved since the Rashada incident.
Toppmeyer: Napier’s seat could get hotter if results don’t improve in Year 3, and a lawsuit certainly doesn’t help. Top recruits prefer schools with strong NIL programs, so allegations of fraud involving a coach and booster are damaging. Florida’s recruiting class is currently 44th nationally, and Napier needs to handle this swiftly to avoid further repercussions.
Does this lawsuit impact Billy Napier’s job security?
Brockway: It doesn’t help. Napier will ultimately be judged by on-field performance in 2024. With a tough schedule ahead, he likely needs to win at least six or seven games to secure another season.
Toppmeyer: In the short term, probably not. Wins are what matters most. However, continued losses or off-field issues could prompt Florida to consider other options, especially if Napier fails to meet expectations.
How do we expect this lawsuit to conclude – with a judgement, settlement, or dismissal?
Brockway: Likely a settlement. Both Napier and Florida will want to avoid prolonged negative publicity. Rashada may realize his $10 million claim is steep, and the parties may reach an agreement to settle.
Toppmeyer: Also likely a settlement. Resolving this quickly and quietly would be in the best interest of Napier and the university, allowing them to focus on football and rebuilding their reputation regarding NIL.
On the field, what are our expectations for Florida this season?
Brockway: Improvement is possible, especially with Graham Mertz returning at quarterback and some promising transfers. However, the tough schedule could make it challenging to show significant progress in the win column.
Toppmeyer: There’s potential for improvement with new additions and returning players, but the schedule remains daunting. Matching or surpassing last season’s 5-7 record will be tough, and missing out on a bowl game could complicate Napier’s narrative of progress at Florida.
