A New Legal Battle in College Sports
Florida Atlantic University has filed a series of lawsuits targeting four former football players who departed the program after the 2025 season. The suits allege that Asaad Waseem, Tyler Stolsky, Zion Paret and Gemari Sands each breached their name, image and likeness agreements by transferring to other institutions before fulfilling their contractual obligations.
The legal complaints reference a specific clause that requires athletes who exit before completing their deals to repay half of the remaining compensation. In Waseem's case, the university says he signed a 15‑month agreement worth $69,000 but left for Purdue University, prompting the school to seek restitution.
Tyler Stolsky, who enjoyed a career‑high season as the team's second‑leading tackler, also entered the portal and later committed to the University of West Virginia. Both Stolsky and Waseem were starters during Zach Kittley's inaugural year as head coach, a period marked by a 4‑8 overall record that nonetheless produced several standout performances.
Gemari Sands, the Owls' workhorse in the backfield, topped the roster in carries and rushing yards before moving on to Florida State University. Meanwhile, true freshman Zion Paret, who signed a $30,000 NIL deal, transferred to the University of Connecticut after the season concluded.
Implications for Mid‑Major Programs
The litigation reflects a broader challenge facing smaller programs that rely heavily on NIL deals to attract talent. With the transfer portal reshaping rosters each offseason, schools like Florida Atlantic must balance financial commitments with the risk of losing players to higher‑profile conferences.
Zach Kittley, now in his second year at the helm, has publicly emphasized the need for clearer contract language and stricter enforcement. The lawsuits serve as a warning to current and prospective athletes that the university will pursue repayment when agreements are violated.
The case also shines a light on the financial architecture of college athletics, where compensation can reach tens of thousands of dollars and where the line between educational support and commercial endorsement is increasingly blurred. As the NCAA continues to refine its NIL policies, schools are turning to the courts to protect their investments.
A Look at the Wider Landscape
The universities involved — Florida Atlantic, Colorado, Purdue, West Virginia, Florida State and Connecticut — each navigate distinct conference dynamics, yet they share a common reliance on the transfer portal to replenish talent. Their athletic departments have become de facto talent marketplaces, a reality that has sparked both opportunity and controversy.
Fans and analysts alike are watching closely to see how these legal actions will influence future NIL negotiations. If the courts rule in favor of the institutions, the precedent could tighten the reins on player movement and force a reevaluation of how compensation is structured across the sport.