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Wisconsin accuses Miami of tampering with Xavier Lucas, threatens legal action

ns_headshot_2024-clearby:Nick Schultz•about 9 hours•

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Xavier Lucas
(photo via University of Wisconsin)

Wisconsin has released a statement on Xavier Lucas’ decision to withdraw from the university and enroll at Miami. The school accused UM of tampering, citing “credible information” and threatened to pursue legal action as a result of the situation.

Lucas announced his plans to enter the transfer portal in late December, but said Wisconsin refused to enter his name into the database. NCAA rules state schools have two business days to enter an athlete’s name into the portal after receiving notice of their intention to transfer. Lucas then withdrew from classes at Wisconsin and enrolled at Miami without officially entering the portal, his lawyer Darren Heitner told Yahoo Sports’ Ross Dellenger Friday night.

Dellenger also reported Lucas signed a revenue-share agreement with Wisconsin contingent on the House v. NCAA settlement’s approval. In its statement, UW accused Miami of “direct interference” and said it was a two-year NIL agreement, which it argues is still enforceable.

“On December 2, 2024, Xavier and Wisconsin Athletics entered into a binding two-year NIL agreement reflecting his strong commitment to continuing with the Wisconsin football program,” the statement read, in part. “We understand that he also executed a separate agreement with the Varsity Collective. His agreement with Wisconsin Athletics included substantial financial compensation for Xavier. Under the terms of the agreement between Xavier and Wisconsin Athletics, it remains in effect and enforceable.

“Badger student-athletes who have signed these agreements expect Wisconsin Athletics to honor the terms. In turn, Wisconsin Athletics relies on the student-athlete representations in signing these agreements that they will do the same. A request to enter the transfer portal after entering into such an agreement is inconsistent with the representations and mutual understanding of the agreement and explains the reason for not processing a transfer portal request under these circumstances.

“Under the transfer 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 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 the law.”

Big Ten backs Wisconsin, takes shot at Miami in statement

The expectation was the Big Ten would back Wisconsin after UW’s statement came down, and the conference released its first comments on the situation shortly afterward. It pointed out the looming revenue-sharing era coming in with the House v. NCAA settlement, pending full approval in April, and called out Miami’s alleged actions as the Power Four conferences weigh reform.

“The Big Ten Conference stands in full support of the University of Wisconsin regarding the contractual agreement between student-athlete Xavier Lucas and the Wisconsin football program,” the statement read. “As student-athletes became 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.

“These actions undermine the efforts of its own conference as the ACC continues its collaboration with the other A4 conferences in developing a sustainable framework for college sports. This situation is just the latest example of the critical need for substantive governance reform.”

Xavier Lucas coming off freshman season at Wisconsin

Xavier Lucas played high school football at Fort Lauderdale (Fla.) American Heritage, where he was a four-star prospect. He was the No. 331 overall player from the 2024 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

Lucas totaled 18 tackles as a freshman at Wisconsin this past season while adding two tackles for loss, a sack and an interception. Dellenger reported he signed a two-year revenue-sharing agreement, pending approval of the landmark House v. NCAA settlement, and UW would not enter his name into the portal.

“I still intend to transfer, but at the moment Wisconsin is refusing to release me into the transfer portal,” Lucas said. “I’ve met all NCAA requirements of the transfer portal process. I’ve yet to be put into the transfer portal by Wisconsin which is impeding my ability to speak with schools.”