The College of Wisconsin has filed a lawsuit in opposition to the College of Miami for allegedly tampering with former participant Xavier Lucas, who signed with the Hurricanes throughout the winter switch portal cycle and is vying for a beginning place within the secondary this season. In keeping with paperwork obtained by Yahoo Sports activities, the Badgers are accusing Miami of poaching Lucas away from their roster forward of the 2025 season and reaching out to the participant regardless of his contract scenario within the Huge Ten.
Wisconsin denied a request from Lucas to enter the switch portal in December, citing his beforehand signed revenue-sharing settlement. That doc, dated Dec. 2, is a part of the proof from the Badgers, who additionally attest Lucas was underneath contract for a separate NIL-related deal.
NCAA bylaws mandate that universities should enter gamers into the switch portal inside two enterprise days of a request.
CBS Sports activities obtained the next assertion from Wisconsin on the lawsuit:
“The College of Wisconsin-Madison stays dedicated to making sure integrity and basic equity within the evolving panorama of school athletics. After reviewing all details and evaluating choices, the college at present filed a criticism in Wisconsin state courtroom outlining our allegations in opposition to the College of Miami. Whereas we reluctantly carry this case, we stand by our place that respecting and implementing contractual obligations is important to sustaining a stage enjoying discipline. Along with our authorized motion, we are going to proceed to be proactive to guard the pursuits of our student-athletes, our program and the broader collegiate athletics group. We admire the help of our college management and the Huge Ten Convention. As we transfer ahead, we are going to respect the courtroom course of and supply additional updates solely as acceptable.”
In an announcement offered to CBS Sports activities’ Brandon Marcello, the Huge Ten voiced its help for the Badgers on this case.
“The Huge Ten Convention is conscious of the litigation not too long ago filed by the College of Wisconsin-Madison in opposition to the College of Miami and is supportive of UW-Madison’s place,” the assertion reads. “As alleged, the College of Miami knowingly ignored contractual obligations and disregarded the precept of aggressive fairness that’s basic to collegiate athletics. The Huge Ten Convention believes that the College of Miami’s actions are irreconcilable with a sustainable faculty sports activities framework and is supportive of UW-Madison’s efforts to protect it.”
Final season as true freshman at Wisconsin, Lucas made one begin and tallied 203 defensive snaps, contributing 18 tackles, one sack and an interception.
The Badgers instructed Yahoo Sports activities they “reluctantly” determined to pursue authorized motion to make sure integrity in an ever-changing panorama throughout the game.
Lawyer Darren Heitner, who’s representing Lucas, beforehand argued the contract Lucas signed at Wisconsin is just a memorandum of understanding and is not enforceable till the settlement was finalized. That was accredited earlier this month and permits schools to straight pay gamers starting July 1.
