Kirby Smart of Georgia football speaks candidly about Jaden Rashada’s NIL complaint against Florida
Georgia and Kirby Smart are not parties to this action.
Written by Scotty White6:00 PM ET on May 28, 2024
Georgia football stadium in the backdrop, along with Jaden Rashada, Billy Napier, Kirby Smart, and Jaden Rashada (all at Georgia University)
Football teams from Georgia and Florida are rivals on the field, and now they are sort of up against each other in court. Jaden Rashada, a quarterback for Georgia, recently sued Billy Napier, the head coach of Florida and the Gators, claiming that Napier had misled him about NIL during his recruiting process. After completing his first season at Arizona State, Rashada joined the Bulldogs.
After joining the Georgia football team through the transfer portal, Jaden Rashada is currently a part of the team and is currently battling a lawsuit. Before filing the case, he inquired about the circumstances from Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart, who replied that he agreed with his choice. But Smart’s main worry is with what’s going on at Georgia. His involvement in this matter is minimal.
According to an On3 report, Kirby Smart remarked, “Maybe a sign of the times.” I’m not particularly engrossed in that. I’m concerned about things that are outside of my tiny bubble at Georgia.
While Smart is pleased that Rashada is now with Georgia, he wants Rashada to know that he is not involved in any way. This problem existed prior to Rashada joining Georgia.
Smart remarked, “He told me the day before they decided to file the lawsuit.” I informed him that would be discussed with his lawyers and family. Neither Georgia nor I am connected to it in any manner. Jaden, though, is a skilled football player. When Jaden first came out, we knew him. He’s produced some outstanding work. Playmaking ability is extremely important at the quarterback position, and he possesses it. He is quite gifted and has actually performed. We’re glad he’s joining us and excited to collaborate with him.
At Mountain America Stadium in the third quarter, Arizona safety Gunner Maldonado (9) tackles Arizona State quarterback Jaden Rashada. © Michael Chow/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK
Billy Napier also offered his thoughts on the issue.
Billy Napier, the head coach of the Florida football team, has made comments on the matter recently. Legal restrictions prevented him from saying much, but he did express his comfort with his actions.
Billy Napier declared that he was at ease with what he was doing. “We’ll leave it at that and let the process take its course. I’m grateful for the university’s support.”
Jaden Rashada had committed to the University of Florida straight out of high school, but he postponed signing since the money he was meant to get never materialized. A $500,000 down payment was initially anticipated, but it was never given to him. The Gator Collective ended his contract shortly after that.
The complaint states that Coach Napier himself attested to the fact that UF alumni kept their word and promised Jaden $1 million if he signed with the school on National Signing Day. “Defendant Castro-Walker threatened to walk away from Coach Napier entirely on National Signing Day if Jaden did not sign a national letter of intent with UF, using the coach’s assurance that he would ‘get it done.'”
After deciding to spend his freshman year at Arizona State, Rashada would play football for Georgia the following season, serving as Carson Beck’s backup. On November 2, the Bulldogs and Gators will square off.
