The LSU Tigers could be facing a legal battle as they have reportedly received a cease-and-desist letter from Heisman-winning quarterback Jayden Daniels, per Mark Schlabach of ESPN, stating that the team can no longer use his name, image and likeness.
This news comes days after it was revealed that star sophomore cornerback DJ Pickett would be wearing the No. 5 jersey this season, after it was promised to him by the previous staff. He is the first person to don the number since Daniels, and it was done without public support from the prolific quarterback.
ESPN's report states that the Daniels family felt "profoundly disrespected" by the team's decision to hand the number out to someone else. It appears that their belief was that the number would be retired, similar to the treatment that is expected for Joe Burrow and No. 9.
During Daniels' two-year stay in Baton Rouge, he stamped his name all over the LSU record books. He is in the top ten in numerous career passing and rushing records. He has the best completion percentage at 70.2% and is third in yards. He, of course, won the Heisman Trophy in 2023 and went on to become the second overall pick.
Daniels is one of the biggest stars in football right now and is exactly the type of player that the school would love have representing them for a long time. This seems like an unfortunate understanding, as it would be a wild act in the first year to intentionally disrespect a recent Heisman winner. The previous staff put them in an awkward situation.
Ideally, this gets resolved quickly. Perhaps a conversation between the parties, and even Pickett switching back to his old number, three, which is still open on the defensive side of the ball.
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