Six former Florida State hoopers file lawsuit against coach Leonard Hamilton over unpaid NIL money dispute, report

Six former Florida State players have filed a law against Seminoles coach Leonard Hamilton over NIL payments that they claim were not paid to them during the 2023-24 season, according to Yahoo Sports reporter Ross Dellenger on Monday.

“In a landmark filing, six former FSU basketball players are suing Seminoles coach Leonard Hamilton over $1.5 million in unpaid NIL cash they say he promised them. The complaint details a team-wide boycott of a practice last season over the payments,” Dellenger wrote on X.

All the former players were named: Darin Green Jr., Josh Nickelberry, Primo Spears, Cam’Ron Fletcher, De’Ante Green and Jalen Warley. According to their complaint, Hamilton failed to pay each of them $250,000 in NIL payments via his "business partners."

Despite constant communication with Hamilton and his partners, even with an assurance from the coach himself that they would be paid before a game on Feb. 17, the payments did not come through, the lawsuit claims.

The Seminoles finished 17-16, including a 10-10 showing in Atlantic Coast Conference play, last season. They lost in the second round of the ACC Tournament 92-67 to No. 4 North Carolina.

None of the players remain with the program as they have either transferred or maximized their eligibility.

Why lawsuit doesn't bode well for Leonard Hamilton, FSU

NIL may be controversial in its current state, but until the NCAA makes adjustments to how it's carried out, players will emphasize the importance of their worth while making sure promises between them and their programs are kept.

This is why the allegations against Leonard Hamilton can be viewed by some as concerning. When players depend on promises to be kept so they can be paid and take care of their livelihoods, it creates a tough situation for the parties involved to have their priorities fulfilled.

Leonard Hamilton's squad is off to a solid start to this season, having a 9-4 record despite losing its first two conference games. While Hamilton deals with the lawsuit from his former players, the Seminoles prepare for their next matchup against Syracuse in Tallahassee, Florida, on Saturday at 6 p.m. ET.