RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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An attorney speaking for Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels has given LSU a cease-and-desist letter stating the school can not use is name, image and likeness, per an Wednesday evening ESPN report .
Mark Schlabach received a copy of the letter, which was sent to LSU athletic director Verge Ausberry on Aug. 5.
A spokesman for Daniels told ESPN that the letter was sent largely sent because the school is allowing cornerback DJ Pickett to don the No. 5 jerseythat Daniels wore during his two seasons at LSU (2022-23), including when he won the Heisman Trophy representing the school in 2023 .
Daniels jersey was not retired by LSU, but it hadn’t been worn by anyone since Daniels left the school.
“The Daniels family is deeply disappointed and feels profoundly disrespected by LSU’s decision to give Jayden’s number to another player,” the statement from Daniels’ spokesperson said, per ESPN. “Jayden and his family had every reason to believe that his number would remain a meaningful part of his LSU legacy and would be honored and protected in recognition of his extraordinary contributions to the university.”
Pickett wore No. 3 in 2025 but was given No. 5 this season. Tigers head coach Lane Kiffin responded somewhat to the issue, saying No. 5 was promised to him during the recruiting process, which occurred under the Brian Kelly regime. Kiffin chose to honor that promise.
“DJ is in [No.] 5, and that was a situation that was promised to him in recruiting here, for him to sign here,” Kiffin said on Aug. 5. “I’ve done a lot of research on that with the family and the representatives and the people, so really I didn’t have a decision to make. It was promised to the kid. It wasn’t done for whatever [reason]. I’m not going to get into that.
“I’m not going to judge something [that was done] when I wasn’t here. But when a kid is promised something to come to a school, he should wear it. So at that point, I don’t think that’s really my decision. We should honor what he was told.”
Daniels’ camp didn’t appreciate that decision, which led to the NIL letter.
“Jayden made it clear that he did not want his number given to another player, and he believed his wishes would be respected,” the statement said. “His Heisman Trophy-winning season and everything he accomplished on and off the field cemented his place in LSU history. To see his number given to another player is incredibly disappointing and feels like a failure to honor the significance of what Jayden accomplished at LSU.”
Daniels camp has legal authority to request the cease-and-desist, with LSU only legal allow to use his NIL for 180 days after his final game at LSU.
“Jayden made it clear that he did not want his number given to another player, and he believed his wishes would be respected,” the statement from Daniels attorney, issued to ESPN , said. “His Heisman Trophy-winning season and everything he accomplished on and off the field cemented his place in LSU history. To see his number given to another player is incredibly disappointing and feels like a failure to honor the significance of what Jayden accomplished at LSU.”
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