The Jayden Daniels controversy in Baton Rouge doesn’t seem to be slowing down anytime soon.
Daniels’ camp informed LSU earlier this month that it can no longer use his name, image and likeness. This dispute stems from the Tigers giving Daniels’ No. 5 jersey to sophomore cornerback DJ Pickett. Although his jersey number was never officially retired, he figured it wouldn’t be worn again.
“The Daniels family is deeply disappointed and feels profoundly disrespected by LSU’s decision to give Jayden’s number to another player,” 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.”
Daniels later released a statement of his own on this matter.
“I have been locked in on training camp and that’s been my number one focus. I have a lot of gratitude for my time at LSU and I’m proud of what my teammates and I accomplished there,” Daniels said in a statement two weeks ago. “Obviously there are issues to be worked out between my team and LSU and my hope is that it will get done privately. My sole personal focus is on Commanders’ football. I realize the business of football is unique and I trust this can all be resolved.”
When asked Wednesday about his feud with LSU, Daniels made it clear that he won’t be making any additional comments.
“No, I posted a statement on Instagram and said everything I needed to say,” Daniels told reporters. “So, appreciate y’all. Thank you.”
Unfortunate situation for LSU fans.
Even though Daniels never won a national championship with LSU, his 2023 season was one to remember. The dual-threat quarterback had 3,812 passing yards, 1,134 rushing yards and 50 total touchdowns.
According to Matt Moscana of LouisianaSports.net, Daniels has asked LSU to return its copy of his 2023 Heisman Trophy.
“Daniels’s camp also requested LSU return its copy of the Heisman Trophy Daniels won in 2023, sources confirmed,” Moscona wrote. “LSU has no intention of doing so and is undecided to what degree it will comply with the cease and desist, noting it is not a legally binding document.”
It’s a shame that LSU’s relationship with Daniels has soured this quickly. Could the damage be undone? Maybe, but that seems unlikely at this time.
