Following the announcement on Friday that cornerback Xavier Lucas withdrew from Wisconsin and would be enrolling at Miami, the Badgers' athletic department released a statement discussing their disappointment in his decision. Wisconsin refused to allow Lucas to enter the transfer portal.
The release from Wisconsin followed posts on X earlier in the day by Lucas' attorney Darren Heitner. Wisconsin contends that they "entered into a binding two-year NIL agreement reflecting his strong commitment to continuing with the Wisconsin football program."
The release continued that Lucas "executed a separate agreement with the Varsity Collective." Lucas' agreements "included substantial compensation" per the release. Wisconsin states it expects its student-athletes to honor the agreements and that they will do the same.
The next question based on Wisconsin's statement is are the agreements legally binding and would they keep a player from entering the transfer portal. Players do not sign contracts specifically to play sports at a school and name, image and likeness is theoretically separate from an athlete's roster spot.
Wisconsin releases a statement regarding the departure of Xavier Lucas to Miami. "We have credible information indicating impermissible contact between Xavier and University of Miami football program personnel prior to Xavier’s request to enter the transfer portal." Wisconsin… pic.twitter.com/2Px0l1vyVn
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) January 18, 2025
Wisconsin has accused Miami of tampering with star CB Xavier Lucas
The statement by Wisconsin accused Miami of impermissible contact with Lucas based on what they termed as credible information. Wisconsin does not mention where their alleged credible information came from or what it was. It was twice mentioned by Wisconsin that Miami violated NCAA rules.
There are multiple layers to Lucas leaving Wisconsin and enrolling at Miami. Differences between violating NCAA by-laws and actual laws will have to be sorted out. Congress forced the NCAA to accept Name, Image and Likeness and earlier this week issued a directive for shared revenue to be equal via gender and by sport.
This isn't NCAA guidance. It's a Bylaw. Some may posit that Xavier Lucas breached an agreement with Wisconsin. That's not true. Even if true, it would set a dangerous precedent that schools can contract around Bylaws. In that case, go ahead and burn the entire rule book. pic.twitter.com/zkashi0Du8
— Darren Heitner (@DarrenHeitner) January 18, 2025
Heitner stated "Wisconsin violated NCAA Bylaw 13.1.1.3.1, which required Wisconsin to enter Xavier Lucas' information into the national transfer database within 2 business days" and called for the NCAA to punish Wisconsin for violating its bylaws. Heitner clarified that the by-law is not a law.
Lucas transferring to Miami seems far from over. Neither Heitner nor Wisconsin have indicated if they plan on taking the situation to court. There are a lot of accusations going on from both sides regarding Lucas leaving Wisconsin for Miami. Lucas leaving Wisconsin could impact the Badgers with recruits and transfers in the future.