TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — A group of six former basketball players from Florida State University has initiated legal action against Seminoles head coach Leonard Hamilton, claiming he did not fulfill his commitment to secure them $250,000 each in compensation related to their name, image, and likeness (NIL).
The individuals involved in the lawsuit—Darin Green Jr., De’Ante Green, Cam’Ron Fletcher, Josh Nickelberry, Primo Spears, and Jalen Warley—filed their complaint in the Leon County Circuit Court. Their attorney, Darren Heitner from Fort Lauderdale, provided the 20-page legal document outlining their grievances. The case was initially reported by Yahoo Sports.
According to the lawsuit, Hamilton had allegedly promised the players the substantial payments from his “business partners.” The complaint details that the athletes walked out of a practice session last year due to the non-receipt of these promised payments, even planning to boycott a scheduled game against Duke on February 17. Although they ultimately participated in the game, which resulted in a 76-67 loss for the Seminoles, they claim Hamilton assured them of being compensated, which they assert never occurred.
In response to the allegations, Florida State University released a statement indicating that the institution has been proactive in investigating what transpired during the last season. The university’s current understanding, as stated in their inquiry, is that they have no record of unfulfilled obligations concerning scholarships or NIL payments owed to the players through the Rising Spear Collective.
The university expressed their support for Coach Hamilton, affirming his right to defend himself regarding these claims and emphasizing their desire for a swift resolution to the situation.
The lawsuit includes several text messages exchanged between the former players and also communications with Hamilton himself.
In the previous season, the Seminoles finished with a record of 17-16, including a 10-10 performance in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). Leonard Hamilton, 76 years old, is currently nearing the end of his contract. The Seminoles’ season has begun with a record of 9-4, but they have not yet secured any victories in conference play, upcoming against Syracuse on Saturday.
All plaintiffs involved in the lawsuit are no longer part of the basketball team. Green and Nickelberry completed their college eligibility last spring, while the others have transferred to different institutions. Now, Spears plays at UTSA, Fletcher is with Xavier, De’Ante Green has joined USF, and Warley is at Gonzaga.
This legal action reflects a rising trend in disputes regarding NIL agreements. Recently, Matthew Sluka, a quarterback from the UNLV football team, departed the program after not receiving a $100,000 NIL deal, while former Florida quarterback recruit Jaden Rashada, now at Georgia, sued his previous coach over an unfulfilled $13 million NIL commitment. Additionally, several players from Tulsa reported that they were owed thousands in NIL agreements made by former coach Kevin Wilson.
