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In a groundbreaking move for college athletics, the University of Wisconsin has filed a lawsuit against the University of Miami, alleging tortious interference for poaching former defensive back Xavier Lucas.
The suit claims Miami "knowingly induced" Lucas to breach a binding revenue-share contract he had with Wisconsin, a deal contingent on the recently approved House settlement allowing direct athlete compensation.
Wisconsin is seeking unspecified financial damages and a declaration that Miami's actions were wrongful. This unprecedented lawsuit, supported by the Big Ten Conference, aims to establish a precedent for enforcing tampering clauses in these new revenue-sharing agreements, a critical issue amidst the current unregulated transfer landscape in college sports.
Lucas, who signed a two-year revenue-share agreement with Wisconsin, transferred to Miami in January without entering the transfer portal, a move Wisconsin argues circumvented NCAA rules and his existing contract. The lawsuit details alleged "impermissible contacts" by Miami, including a more lucrative offer, that led Lucas to leave Wisconsin.
This case highlights the ongoing tension between player mobility, contract enforcement, and tampering in the evolving world of college athletics, particularly with the advent of direct athlete compensation.
