The Badgers and the Big Ten had a strong, but carefully-worded message about Xavier Lucas.
Shortly after the news broke that cornerback Xavier Lucas intended to transfer to the Miami Hurricanes without actually entering the transfer portal, the Wisconsin Badgers broke their silence on the situation, providing a statement.
The Badgers revealed that Lucas had agreed to a binding two-year agreement with Wisconsin Athletics, while also executing a deal with the Varsity Collective.
“We are disappointed that Xavier Lucas has chosen to withdraw from the University of Wisconsin,” the statement read. “He has been a valued member of our football program, and we were looking forward to helping him continue to grow as a student, a person, and a football player.
“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. 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.”
The Badgers also alleged that there was tampering involved between Lucas and the Hurricanes, citing that they have credible information for proof.
“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,” the statement continued. “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.
“This is another significant moment in the evolution of college athletics. As we move toward a future state that will rely on direct contracting with student athletes, enforcing the parties’ adherence to contract obligations and addressing improper interference by other institutions must be a priority. The system cannot work without an operational model that both establishes and enforces agreed-upon rules and regulations, and contractual terms that are binding on both institutions and student-athletes.
“We continue to review facts as they unfold in this matter and will evaluate all options going forward to determine the appropriate course of action.”
The Big Ten also issued a statement in strong support of the Badgers, pointing to the need for reform with the current system.
“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 become 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.”
With all of the allegations surrounding the precedent-setting situation, it seems we’re far from a resolution, with ramifications potentially on the way.