Jayden Daniels became a superstar at LSU, won the 2023 Heisman Trophy, and wore No. 5 while doing it. After he left for the NFL, LSU stopped giving No. 5 to players. That lasted until this year, when LSU gave the number to defensive back DJ Pickett.
Pickett had been promised the number during recruiting. LSU's new coach, Lane Kiffin, decided to honor that promise.
Then the lawyers arrived.
Daniels' representatives sent LSU a cease-and-desist letter demanding that LSU stop using Daniels' name, image and likeness. The dispute involves LSU giving his old No. 5 to Pickett, which Daniels' family considered profoundly disrespectful.
Meanwhile, LSU has its own argument. The school had not officially retired Daniels' number, and Pickett had reportedly been promised No. 5 as part of his recruitment. LSU also has a formal process for retiring jerseys, which requires a waiting period and extraordinary accomplishments.
And that is the Jayden Daniels situation. And for acting like an entitled toddler, Jayden should feel shame, shame, shame.