RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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Former LSU football quarterback Jayden Daniels caused a stir this week as ESPN reported that Daniels' camp sent a cease-and-desist letter to LSU, instructing the university to stop using Daniels' name, image, and likeness. The letter was sent after LSU allowed sophomore cornerback DJ Pickett to wear the No. 5 jersey.
No. 5 was Daniels' number for two years at LSU and hadn't been worn since Daniels won the Heisman in 2023. LSU coach Lane Kiffin said the jersey was promised to Pickett during his recruitment. Brian Kelly was LSU's coach when Pickett signed, but Kiffin said the current staff will honor the promise.
The college football season is less than a month away. This isn't the typical August story. Usually, off-the-field drama like this is better served for the dog days of the offseason. Now, fans just want to focus on football.
USA TODAY Sports columnist Matt Hayes shared his thoughts on the situation. Hayes isn't a fan of the tactics being deployed by the Daniels' camp.
"Someone, somewhere in his orbit, has convinced Daniels he’s bigger than the LSU football program. That a quarterback who didn’t win a championship at LSU — but won a Heisman Trophy — should have his number retired," Hayes wrote.
Hayes pointed out how Daniels' career took off thanks to the development and coaching he received at LSU. When Daniels left Arizona State, he was barely on the NFL's radar. At LSU, Daniels blossomed into the No. 2 overall pick.
"Let’s not get it twisted. Daniels won a Heisman at LSU because LSU developed him, and put him on the biggest stage to play in the biggest games. Many of which he didn't win," Hayes wrote.
This article originally appeared on LSU Wire: Jayden Daniels' letter to LSU draws criticism from USA TODAY columnist
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