Wisconsin has announced it possesses “credible information” indicating that Xavier Lucas and representatives from the University of Miami engaged in unauthorized interactions before the former Badgers cornerback opted to transfer back to his home state.
On Friday, Lucas’ attorney, Darren Heitner, confirmed that his client intended to play for Miami, despite Wisconsin never submitting Lucas’ name into the transfer portal.
In a statement released on Saturday, Wisconsin clarified that the transfer request had not been processed because Lucas had signed a two-year binding agreement concerning his name, image, and likeness (NIL) on December 2, which included significant financial arrangements.
“According to the agreement made between Xavier and Wisconsin Athletics, it is still valid and enforceable,” the university’s statement said. “Student-athletes signing these agreements expect that Wisconsin Athletics will adhere to their terms. Wisconsin Athletics depends on these athletes’ affirmations upon signing that they will also uphold their obligations. Seeking to transfer after entering into such an agreement contradicts the mutual understanding and representations established in the contract, which is why we did not process Lucas’ transfer request.”
Heitner mentioned in an X post on Friday that Lucas had come to a memorandum of understanding that hinged on the ratification of the House settlement, which mandates direct payments to players for the use of their NIL, and that Lucas was to attend classes by this spring. Heitner further noted that Lucas has since withdrawn from Wisconsin.
Heitner asserted that Lucas has not received any compensation from Wisconsin and thus does not owe the institution any funds. Furthermore, he maintained that Wisconsin had breached an NCAA rule by failing to enter Lucas into the national transfer database within two business days of receiving his request.
In response, Wisconsin raised concerns about potential tampering.
“We possess credible information indicating inappropriate contact between Xavier and officials from the University of Miami football program before he requested to enter the transfer portal,” Wisconsin stated. “NCAA tampering regulations and legal standards prohibit direct interference with a player committed to another institution and their contractual agreements.”
Wisconsin emphasized that as college athletics continue to evolve, upholding contractual commitments and addressing inappropriate influence from other institutions must be prioritized, insisting that the operational framework requires clear enforcement of established rules and regulations.
The University of Miami has yet to publicly comment on the situation, including whether Lucas has enrolled at the school.
Wisconsin noted it would explore various options on how to proceed regarding the matter.
The Big Ten Conference supported Wisconsin’s stance in a separate statement issued on Saturday.
“As student-athletes begin playing a more active role in revenue sharing, it is essential that agreed obligations are respected and enforced,” the conference stated. “Given the current laws and regulations, any indications of tampering and contract interference from the University of Miami are quite concerning.”
In a subsequent X post on Saturday night, Heitner responded to the statements made by Wisconsin and the Big Ten.
Heitner argued that Wisconsin cited a binding two-year agreement with Lucas even though current NCAA regulations do not permit schools to provide financial compensation directly to athletes for their NIL. He criticized Wisconsin for making claims about unauthorized contact without presenting concrete proof and pointed out the irony in the university’s concern for Lucas’ well-being while attempting to limit his transfer options.
“Wisconsin suggests this scenario is a pivotal moment in college sports, yet it is the institution attempting to restrict a player’s movement based on a contract that is dependent on a settlement that is not yet finalized, and before any compensation has been provided to Xavier Lucas,” Heitner expressed in his post. “It seems to misunderstand that its actions contribute to the issues at hand.”
Lucas, originally from Pompano Beach, Florida, recorded 12 tackles, one interception, and one sack during his freshman season at Wisconsin.
