Daniels issues NIL cease and desist to LSU over jersey number dispute
Lawyer Adam Kenner warns of legal remedies as LSU assigns No. 5 to DJ Pickett
Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels has issued a cease and desist order to Louisiana State University, prohibiting the institution from using his name, image, and likeness. The legal action follows the university’s decision to assign Daniels’ former No. 5 jersey to sophomore cornerback DJ Pickett.
Attorney Adam Kenner informed LSU athletic director Verge Ausberry on 5 August that the university is no longer authorised to use Daniels’ NIL, citing the expiration of a previous agreement. The letter stated that any further commercial exploitation of Daniels’ identity would be pursued through legal remedies.
The dispute centres on the assignment of the No. 5 jersey, which Daniels wore during his two seasons with the Tigers from 2022 to 2023. While the number is not officially retired by LSU, Daniels’ family issued a statement on 5 August expressing disappointment and feeling disrespected by the decision.
LSU head coach Lane Kiffin confirmed that Pickett was promised the No. 5 jersey during his recruitment in 2024 under former coach Brian Kelly. Kelly had previously chosen not to issue the number while Daniels was at LSU to avoid doing so without consent.
Daniels released a statement on Instagram hoping the matter remains private, noting there are issues to be worked out. Pickett, a consensus five-star recruit, wore No. 3 last season before changing to No. 5, recording three interceptions and 37 combined tackles in his freshman campaign.
