Cornerback Xavier Lucas, who is embattled in a dispute about his request for a transfer, has been continually defended by his attorney Darren Heitner. Heitner has frequently posted on social media defending Lucas and made an appearance on the Locked on Canes podcast on Monday.
Heitner appeared on Locked on Canes with host Alex Donno, who also hosts the Miami football postgame show, with his frequent guest Bruce Warner - a Florida attorney. Heitner has posted to social media and made the Locked on Canes appearance to present Lucas' side of the story.
The Big Ten released a statement over the weekend supporting Wisconsin keeping Lucas from the transfer portal. Heitner stated on Locked on Canes that the contract between Lucas and Wisconsin is not binding because the NCAA does not allow its member schools to pay athletes directly.
Heitner told Donno and Warner he had not spoken with Wisconsin in a few days as of Monday morning when the podcast was recorded. Heitner had previously spoken with a Wisconsin staff member who was authorized to do so. Wisconsin's claim of tampering was absurd according to Heitner.
Wisconsin and the Big Ten seem to be confused about the House v NCAA settlement agreement that has not yet been finally approved and won’t be until April 7, at the earliest.
— Darren Heitner (@DarrenHeitner) January 19, 2025
“The Court must give final approval to the settlement before it can take effect … The settlement also… pic.twitter.com/VbkOSBcAr3
Xavier Lucas' lawyer continues to defend the CB and Miami
Heitner stated that the NCAA should punish Wisconsin for not allowing Lucas into the transfer portal within two days, which violates an NCAA bylaw. Another part of the decision by Lucas to transfer is that he has in Heitner's words, "an ailing father and that it is best for him to be closer to home."
Lucas is a Fort Lauderdale, American Heritage alum. Heitner also stated how can Lucas go back to Wisconsin with everything that has happened and how he was treated. An attempt to make contact with the NCAA and Wisconsin was made by Heitner on behalf of Lucas to get him into the transfer portal.
When Wisconsin refused to allow Lucas to enter the transfer portal, the decision was made for Lucas to withdraw from Wisconsin and enroll at Miami without entering the transfer portal. There is reportedly no restriction for a player to withdraw from one school and enroll in another without entering the transfer portal.
The attempt is being made for Lucas to re-classify for the spring. Lucas is currently classified for the fall. Heitner also stated Wisconsin cannot be forced to enter Lucas' name into the transfer portal. There are a lot of moving parts in this case with the U.S. House versus NCAA case not set to be finalized until April.
Lucas' case could set future precedents for players who are kept from entering the transfer portal by their programs. With NIL contacts currently set outside athletic programs and athletes not paid directly for playing a sport, the transfer portal does not co-exist with being paid for endorsements.