In a dramatic legal twist, six former Florida State basketball players have filed a lawsuit against head coach Leonard Hamilton, claiming he failed to deliver on promised NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) compensation. The lawsuit, filed in Leon County Circuit Civil Court, alleges that Hamilton personally guaranteed each player $250,000 in NIL payments sourced from his “business partners.”
The players involved in the suit—Darin Green Jr., Josh Nickelberry, Primo Spears, Cam’Ron Fletcher, De’Ante Green, and Jalen Warley—are taking legal action after they claim the financial promises were never fulfilled. While Green and Nickelberry have exhausted their eligibility, the other four players transferred out of FSU.
NIL deals, which encompass sponsorships, endorsements, and social media collaborations, have become a significant factor in college athletics, particularly for athletes weighing their options for where to play. The players’ lawsuit highlights a growing trend in college sports where NIL agreements are reshaping the recruitment and retention of top talent.
Represented by Fort Lauderdale-based attorney Darren A. Heitner, the plaintiffs are seeking justice for the unfulfilled promises. As of now, there has been no official response from FSU or Hamilton’s legal team regarding the claims.
With FSU’s basketball season underway and a home game against Syracuse coming up, this lawsuit has added an explosive layer to the team’s current drama. The outcome could have major implications on how NIL deals are handled across the college sports landscape.
