Wisconsin HC Luke Fickell Big Ten Media Day - Photo by Sports Illustrated
MADISON, WI (WSAU) – The Big Ten Conference announced its support for the University of Wisconsin after cornerback Xavier Lucas announced his decision to sign with the University of Miami on Friday night, despite the Badgers denying his request to enter the transfer portal at the end of the 2024 season.
According to a press release, the Big Ten “stands in full support of the University of Wisconsin regarding the contractual agreement between student-athlete Xavier Lucas and the Wisconsin football program,” and “As student-athletes become active participants in revenue sharing, it is critical that agreed-to obligations be respected, honored, and enforced. In light of current laws and association rules, information suggesting tampering and contract interference in this case by the University of Miami is very troubling.”
“This situation is just the latest example of the critical need for substantive governance reform,” the conference spokesperson added.
The University of Wisconsin released a statement of its own, accusing Miami of tampering with Lucas, saying, “Under the transfer portal provision used by Xavier this past week, any contact between a student-athlete enrolled at one institution and the football program to which they are transferring is prohibited per NCAA rules. We have credible information indicating impermissible contact between Xavier and the University of Miami football program personnel prior to Xavier’s request to enter the transfer portal. Direct interference with another institution’s committed player and contractual interests is prohibited by NCAA tampering rules and law.”
Lucas and Wisconsin’s collective signed a two-year revenue-sharing agreement in early December, according to Ross Dellenger of Yahoo, which granted Wisconsin non-exclusive rights to use Lucas’ name, image, and likeness and “binds” Lucas to the program.
Only a few weeks after signing the contract, the freshman cornerback made his decision to sign with Miami public on December 19 and hired an attorney, kicking off the current series of events.
According to Dellenger’s report, Wisconsin, along with the Big Ten, may file a lawsuit against Lucas or Miami concerning the signed contract with the collective. In particular, he states that “the agreement prohibits the player’s rights to be used by any other school.” It would be against that agreement if Lucas received money from the Hurricanes collective.
Lucas had one interception and two passes defended in seven games for the Badgers in 2024.
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