SEC Spring Meetings Got A Little Spicier With Kirby Smart And Billy Napier Following Jaden Rashada Lawsuit

The college football world was shaken on Tuesday when Jaden Rashada filed a lawsuit against Florida coach Billy Napier and others associated with the Gators football program. But according to one report, Georgia's Kirby Smart gave his blessing to what could turn into another level of hate regarding the rivalry between the two schools. 

Most of the folks around college football were not surprised that Jaden Rashada was going after folks associated with the football program for the $13.8 million NIL deal gone wrong at Florida. This whole situation felt as though it would come to a head, whether it be the full story, or Rashada looking for some type of reimbursement for money lost during the ‘deal’ for him to sign with Florida. 

What many did not expect was to hear that Kirby Smart had given his blessing for Jaden Rashada to file the lawsuit just a few weeks after he committed to play for Georgia. Now, let's be clear, this lawsuit wasn't enacted over the past month, this has been in the works for a long period of time, led by pitbull lawyer Rusty Hardin. 

The complaint implies that Billy Napier, Marcus Castro-Walker and megadonor Hugh Hathcock committed some type of fraud when it came to the initial deal that would've had Rashada signing with the Gators. All of this will play-out behind the scenes, as a settlement is the most likely route this takes, if the parties being sued feel as though the plaintiffs have a case. 

But let's be honest, Napier and those named in the suit do not want to get into the discovery part of this ordeal, with communications being brought to light, which include text messages, emails and phone calls. This could certainly open up a whole different can of worms that could damage the reputation of those being sued, if the allegations prove to be true. 

Kirby Smart Reportedly Gave His Blessing For Rashada Lawsuit

As CBS Sports reported on Tuesday, Kirby Smart gave the Rashada family his blessing to go ahead with the lawsuit, with Jaden enrolling in Athens to play quarterback. So one would think that the line about Kirby Smart being OK with this going forward has to infuritate those within the Florida athletic department. 

There's a reason why that detail was inserted into the report from CBS, most likely because Georgia wanted it out there. And why not? It's not as if Kirby Smart is going to tell a kid what he can or cannot do when it comes to his life, and money. 

But with SEC Spring meetings starting on Monday in Florida, I'd have to imagine the conversations between Billy Napier and Kirby Smart will not be as cordial as previous encounters. It was just over two years ago that Nick Saban and Jimbo Fisher were trading jabs about NIL and recruiting before making the trip down to Destin. 

ATHENS, GA - APRIL 13: Georgia Bulldogs Head Coach Kirby Smart during the G-Day Red and Black Spring Game on April 13, 2024, at Sanford Stadium in Athens, GA. (Photo by John Adams/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Now, SEC commissioner Greg Sankey has made it clear to both parties that the bickering needed to stop, at least in the public setting. But that didn't mean it was cordial behind the scenes. Now, with Billy Napier being sued, I would imagine the same type of conversation will be had between the two coaches before taking to the podium next week. 

It's not as if Billy Napier is going to discuss the case, as he will say that since it's an ongoing legal matter, he cannot discuss the situation. But that doesn't mean it will be pleasant with Kirby, who will be asked about the case as well, since it involves one of his athletes, and the whole ‘gave his blessing’ part. 

But one thing is certain. There will be conversations had if they already haven't exchanged delightful text messages. 

Just when you thought SEC Spring meetings were going to be fully centered around the NCAA settlement and upcoming revenue sharing, Jaden Rashada filed a lawsuit against the head coach at Florida, with the reported blessing of Kirby Smart. 

The atmosphere inside the hallways at the Hilton in Destin, Florida just got a lot spicier, thanks to one report.