Lee Walpole Lassiter, Esq. 10/22/25 Lee Walpole Lassiter, Esq. 10/22/25

The SAFE Act: When Congress Steps Into NIL

The NIL era has been loud, fast, and full of growing pains.
Now, Congress wants a say.

The proposed SAFE Act — short for Sports and Athletic Fairness and Equity Act — is the first serious attempt at a federal NIL law that could standardize how athletes, schools, and media partners handle money, contracts, and endorsements.

Lee Walpole Lassiter, Esq. 10/16/25 Lee Walpole Lassiter, Esq. 10/16/25

The $13.85 Million NIL Mirage — What the Jaden Rashada Lawsuit Really Means

Five-star quarterback Jaden Rashada’s $13.85 million NIL deal with the Florida Gators collapsed before any payments were made, exposing the risky and uncertain nature of college athlete contracts. Rashada is now suing Florida’s head coach, a top booster, and the Gator Collective for allegedly making promises they couldn’t keep, with the case moving forward in federal court. The lawsuit highlights major legal questions about NIL deals and could force schools and collectives to adopt stricter safeguards, such as proof of funds and legal oversight. The message for athletes and agents is clear: verify deals before signing, as the age of easy promises in college sports is ending.

Lee Walpole Lassiter, Esq. 10/15/25 Lee Walpole Lassiter, Esq. 10/15/25

The 5-in-5 Rule and NIL: Why College Basketball Is Taking a Timeout

Lee Walpole Lassiter explains how NIL budgets, the transfer portal, and the NCAA’s proposed 5-in-5 Rule are freezing basketball recruiting and changing the way coaches build rosters.

Lee Walpole Lassiter, Esq. 10/12/25 Lee Walpole Lassiter, Esq. 10/12/25

NIL Collectives Are Bypassing the Clearinghouse — What It Means for Athletes

The NIL era was intended to allow college athletes to monetize their name, image, and likeness, but within a few years, the system has faced issues. Collectives, frustrated with delays, are bypassing the NCAA’s NIL Go clearinghouse, which could significantly impact athletes' futures.