In what could be a groundbreaking case in the realm of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) in college athletics, former Florida Gators football standout Gervon Dexter has initiated a lawsuit to nullify his agreement with Big League Advance Fund (BLA). Dexter’s legal challenge alleges that BLA violated Florida’s athlete agent act and NIL law, shedding light on the complexities and potential pitfalls of the evolving NIL landscape.
The Controversial Agreement
Gervon Dexter, hailing from Lake Wales, Florida, was a highly sought-after recruit, securing 30 scholarship offers before ultimately committing to the University of Florida. During his three seasons with the Gators, Dexter proved himself as a formidable force on the field. He played in 38 games, with 22 starts over his final two seasons, amassing an impressive stat line of 125 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, and 4 passes defended. Additionally, he showcased his versatility by snagging interceptions in both his freshman and junior seasons.
Dexter declared his intention to enter the NFL Draft in December. Following his declaration, he had one last opportunity to showcase his skills in the Las Vegas Bowl before being selected 53rd overall in the second round by the Chicago Bears.
The dispute centers around the agreement Dexter entered into with BLA, a company that specializes in NIL services. Under the terms of the contract, BLA compensated Dexter with a substantial sum of $436,485 in exchange for the use of his NIL. However, the controversy lies in the long-term commitment Dexter made to BLA, which stipulates that he must relinquish 15% of his pre-tax NFL earnings for an astonishing 25-year period.
Legal Grounds for Dexter’s Lawsuit
Dexter’s lawsuit alleges two significant violations by BLA: first, that BLA failed to register as an athlete agent in Florida, and second, that the agreement effectively compensated him for his athletic performance, violating both Florida state law and NCAA regulations.
The Failure to Register as an Agent
One of the primary contentions in Dexter’s lawsuit is that BLA failed to register as an athlete agent in the state of Florida. This registration is a legal requirement designed to protect student-athletes from exploitative practices. Dexter’s claim raises questions about BLA’s adherence to the necessary regulations and whether they conducted themselves appropriately within the bounds of the law.
Compensation for Athletic Performance
The second major issue in the lawsuit revolves around the nature of the compensation Dexter received. BLA paid him a substantial sum for the use of his NIL, which, in principle, should not directly correlate with his athletic performance on the field. This raises concerns about whether the agreement violated Florida’s NIL law, which is intended to safeguard the distinction between compensation for athletic achievements and the use of a student-athlete’s NIL.
A Troubling Precedent
The Gervon Dexter case is not the first instance of NIL-related issues at the University of Florida. Previously, a highly touted California quarterback prospect from the class of 2023, Jaden Rashada, signed with the Gators but never enrolled due to reported issues related to an alleged four-year NIL deal worth $13.85 million promised by the now-defunct Gator Collective. This troubling precedent adds complexity to the situation and underscores the need for more comprehensive guidelines and regulations governing NIL agreements.
Gervon Dexter’s legal battle against Big League Advance Fund has the potential to set a significant precedent in the ever-evolving landscape of NIL in college sports. The lawsuit draws attention to crucial issues, including athlete agent registration and the nature of compensation within NIL agreements. As the case unfolds, it will undoubtedly serve as a pivotal moment in the ongoing discussion surrounding the rights and protections of student-athletes in the NIL era.
