Former NFL running back Ederrin James has stepped into the spotlight, urging fans to rally behind his son Jizzle James, a guard who was recently removed from the Charlotte men’s basketball roster after a tumultuous offseason.
James, who played professionally in the NFL, emphasized that his son is battling substance abuse and called for encouragement rather than material assistance, stressing that the family is focused on helping Jizzle recover rather than confronting him.
A Family's Plea for Understanding
Jizzle James, a four‑star recruit according to 247Sports, transferred from the Cincinnati Bearcats to Charlotte after following former head coach Wes Miller, and his brief stint with the Bearcats included 23 games in December 2025 before his dismissal.
The decision to part ways with the Bearcats came after personal issues forced his release before the 2025‑26 season, a move that has drawn attention from both the program and the broader college basketball community.
While the Charlotte program has not disclosed detailed reasons for the dismissal, James said the family is fighting for Jizzle rather than against him, highlighting a patient, supportive approach that they hope will guide his son back to health and competition.
Fans have been asked to show love and encouragement, but the former NFL star cautioned against giving material support that could enable the underlying issues, urging a balanced response that respects both the athlete’s privacy and his recovery process.
The situation underscores the challenges student‑athletes face when dealing with personal struggles, and it reflects a growing emphasis on mental health and substance‑abuse support within college sports programs.