Jayden Daniels Is Demanding LSU Not Use His Name, Image, or Likeness Moving Forward After He Has Been "Profoundly Disrespected" By The University

ESPN - An attorney representing Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels has informed LSU that it can no longer use his name, image and likeness, according to an Aug. 5 letter sent to Tigers athletic director Verge Ausberry, a copy of which was obtained by ESPN on Wednesday.

At the center of the dispute, according to a statement from Daniels' spokesperson to ESPN, is that the Tigers are allowing sophomore cornerback DJ Pickett to wear the No. 5 jersey that Daniels wore when he became LSU's third Heisman Trophy winner in 2023.

While Daniels' jersey hasn't been retired by the Tigers, it's the first time a player has worn No. 5 since he left the program for the NFL.

"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. "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."

Well this is a weird story. Jayden Daniels (well, his team/lawyers) have sent LSU a cease and desist letter saying they can no longer use his NIL because they are "deeply disappointed and feel profoundly disrespected" after they let CB DJ Pickett (GREAT name) wear his number 5. That's the story. The entire thing. Another player is wearing number 5 and Jayden is allegedly upset about it.

And that's where the story loses me.

I just...I just don't see this as something Jayden would care about. I can't see happy-go-lucky Jayden waking up in the morning and caring that someone else is wearing 5 at LSU. It would be so out of character for him. I just don't see him as a guy calling up his lawyers because a kid is wearing a jersey number. It's not adding up to me.

It just seems like this is a lawyer thing. A "don't make money off my client" type thing. 

As for the number itself, there's nothing legally in the letter about it, it's all about LSU just...not using his NIL.

Fine. Fair. Whatever. This is stupid as hell. Jayden didn't win a national title, he isn't "Mr. LSU" like Joe Burrow, it's all sorta confusing that after 3 years at ASU and 2 at LSU he would assume nobody would wear 5 ever again. 

It's hard to even "take sides" here because for starters I don't believe this is Jayden's doing. Jayden is the QB of my football team, and I figure he cares roughly 1 billion % more about winning a Super Bowl with the Commanders than who wears number 5 at LSU. I refuse to believe this C&D is his doing. And that's all I gotta say about that.