As Florida State men’s basketball gears up to resume play this Saturday, a serious legal issue looms over the program. Head coach Leonard Hamilton is facing a lawsuit from six former FSU players who claim he failed to deliver on promises regarding Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals.
Filed on December 30 by attorney Darren A. Heitner, the lawsuit involves former players Darin Green Jr., Josh Nickelberry, Primo Spears, Cam’Ron Fletcher, De’Ante Green, and Jalen Warley. The players allege that Hamilton verbally promised them $250,000 each in NIL payments through his “business partners,” but none of the players ever saw a cent. Now, they’re seeking a total of $1.5 million in compensation.
All six players were part of the 2023-24 squad, which finished the season with a 17-16 record, 10-10 in the ACC. None of the players are currently on FSU’s roster. Some, like Green and Nickelberry, have exhausted their eligibility, while others—Spears (UTSA), Fletcher (Xavier), De’Ante Green (USF), and Warley (Gonzaga)—are now playing for different teams.
It’s important to note that FSU itself is not being sued. The lawsuit centers solely on Hamilton and the verbal agreements made between him and the players, with no written contracts or formal ties to the university. The players are also not accusing FSU of being involved in the alleged NIL promises, which were purportedly linked to external business partners.
The lawsuit is calling for a trial by jury in Leon County court, though no date has been set yet. The plaintiffs are demanding $1.5 million in compensatory damages, plus punitive damages to deter similar conduct in the future, as well as pre- and post-judgment interest.
FSU basketball will be back in action Saturday, hosting Syracuse at the Donald L. Tucker Center at 6 p.m., with the Seminoles sitting at 9-4 (0-2) for the season.
