Among several other players recently…

On3

Demond Williams makes stunning decision on future at Wash...

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That’s really surprising, he showed quite a bit of improvement this season from last.

What would be hilarious is if Dante opted for the draft and he transferred to Eugene. The Fusky fans would lose their minds.

https://x.com/ChristianCaple/status/2008720782739038621

Just a couple days earlier it was "reported" he was signing a new deal with UW.

Their fans are somewhat stunned.

3 minutes ago, Ktmguy2018 said:

Their fans are somewhat stunned.

I hate to say it, but that grieving-loser UW fan is somewhat right.

Let's see how long it takes him to sign at another school and for how much money. Poaching was once punishable by death; today?

The House settlement was STUPID. Players being paid are EMPLOYEES! For goodness' sake, stop trying to preserve the idea of amateur athletics that are long gone. Stop trying to preserve bowl games and calling it a 'playoff.'

Acknowledge employee status, allow a union to be formed, bargain with the union, and adopt common-sense salary and transfer restrictions as we see in the NFL. Without these guardrails, the NFL would crater.

College football has morphed into Billionaire Bingo. I understand why UW fans are frustrated and upset. It will be one thing if Dante goes pro, another if he decides to transfer for $XXX more.

Looks like the UW dogs aren't lying down.

On3

Washington preparing to take major step after Demond Will...

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So, UW wants to "enforce the contract." Well, unless there are performance incentives just how exactly are they going to do that? You want a kid that you are forcing to stay, to lead the team in B1G games at Nebraska, at Oregon, at USC next season. You think he'll give a damn if he throws into coverage? What if he plans to preserve a year of eligibility by refusing to play?

24 minutes ago, HDuck said:

So, UW wants to "enforce the contract." Well, unless there are performance incentives just how exactly are they going to do that? You want a kid that you are forcing to stay, to lead the team in B1G games at Nebraska, at Oregon, at USC next season. You think he'll give a damn if he throws into coverage? What if he plans to preserve a year of eligibility by refusing to play?

No, I agree with UW, you signed a contract? Welcome to the real world where you have to honor a contract or you have to pay compensation for breaking said contract. You don't get to sign and then sign with another team after they give you a better deal, that isn't how sports works. If UW and others don't hold players to contracts then the contract isn't really a contract.

Smoke in the air it may be LSU.

UW trying to hold him to same contract language another UW (Wisconsin) had for Xavier Lucas, who bolted Badgers to Miami. Wisconsin sued, still open. Lucas did go to Miami

6 minutes ago, spartan2785 said:

If UW and others don't hold players to contracts then the contract isn't really a contract.

I agree that schools should have some control. But, Pros having been doing it for years, why not their "minor league" now?

Sports contracts have been a one-way street for years . . . perform well and demand a new deal or threaten to sit/demand a trade vs poor play and your owner is stuck.

39 minutes ago, HDuck said:

So, UW wants to "enforce the contract." Well, unless there are performance incentives just how exactly are they going to do that? You want a kid that you are forcing to stay, to lead the team in B1G games at Nebraska, at Oregon, at USC next season. You think he'll give a damn if he throws into coverage? What if he plans to preserve a year of eligibility by refusing to play?

Fortunately, indentured servitude is not allowed in the United States. It's prohibited by the Constitution.

However, if the contract, using a format approved by B1G HQ, is worth the paper it is written on, UW can sue for damages, and also sue for Interference

with a Contract against the party(ies) that induced him to breach the agreement.

You sign a deal, and less than a week later, say, 'I've been blessed to play for UW and its fans, but after praying on it, I have to do what's best for me.'

'Don't be mad, UW fans. My Higher Power told me to break my word and leave for more money.' 🤪

He cannot be restrained from playing elsewhere, but Williams and third parties involved with this nonsense can be sued for damages, and I hope UW wins the suit.

According to the law, Williams is not a 'kid.' He's over 18 years of age, and he signed a contract. Under Washington state law, he's an adult; whether he acts like one or not is irrelevant.

24 minutes ago, AllOregon said:

Smoke in the air it may be LSU.

UW trying to hold him to same contract language another UW (Wisconsin) had for Xavier Lucas, who bolted Badgers to Miami. Wisconsin sued, still open. Lucas did go to Miami

Correct on all points. B1G HQ stands by the enforceability of the agreement.

Miami's motion to dismiss has been denied.

Why not leave to play for a coach who left his team in the middle of a playoff run? They deserve one another.

College football is spiraling out of control. I just want the Ducks win one national championship. Then I will decide if it all is still worth it.

Remember that big time eclipse? I think it was in summer of 2017. I got worked up for it. Saw it. And now I no longer care.

College football is getting really bad with all the nonsense, but we still want to win so badly.

What is going wrong with other teams is eventually going to catch up and happen to us. At some point, I am going to say that 'getting worked up over 18 year old billionaires is just not worth it'. Lets hope Oregon takes care of Indiana then rides the momentum to a natty and get one in the books.

The NBA lost many of its fans with their own brand of nonsense. And those fans are never coming back.

College football is (was) great because it was played by amateurs and everybody (except Alaskans) had a team. Look at national champions from way back when. Lots of teams from all over the country. Even Idaho (Boise St) was a national player for a little while. Now there are only two real conferences. And only a handful of real teams in those conferences. Yes, Oregon is now one of them. For now. Phil won't live forever. The Nike heirs may not care about Oregon football. This is why we need it NOW.

Washington has a psuedo championsip(s) in their historical locker. We need ours.

According to Rick Neuheisel on XM radio, the “smoke in the air” is that the Ducks are the player for Demond Williams and LSU wants Sam Leavitt.

Although I would love to rub that in the huskies face to get Williams from them, I think I would rather have Leavitt if Dante goes pro.

In addition, it sounds like the huskies will not give up without a fight and that could put Williams on ice for a bit.

Also, could be that “New Weasel” is just trying to stir things up.

George Wrightster said a few weeks ago that Oregon has a, “plan in place” for a QB if Dante goes pro. He did not elaborate. 🤔

1 hour ago, Massduck said:

According to Rick Neuheisel on XM radio, the “smoke in the air” is that the Ducks are the player for Demond Williams

Just heard that on the way in to work as well. I no longer consider it "tampering" any longer as there is no way to actually regulate communication between players and their potential suitors. I would, however, find it odd for Oregon to knowingly try to get him to leave knowing his potential legal predicament.

Could be interesting.

Word in the Twitterverse is LSU made a play for him and he sent out his portal announcement when the rest of his teammates were at a memorial for fellow student-athlete, Mia Hammant who succumbed to cancer. This all checks out since he seems to be getting advice from Lane Kiffin on proper timing 🙄.

30 minutes ago, Babyjesus615 said:

Just heard that on the way in to work as well. I no longer consider it "tampering" any longer as there is no way to actually regulate communication between players and their potential suitors. I would, however, find it odd for Oregon to knowingly try to get him to leave knowing his potential legal predicament.

Could be interesting.

Wouldn't want him here.....

"I agree with UW, .... you have to honor a contract or you have to pay compensation for breaking said contract."

Often the terms for breaking a contract are in the contract. Wonder if they are in his case? Still think it would be problematic to force a kid to stay...not very motivational for the kid's playing performance? Even if there is some kind of breach of contract provision.

59 minutes ago, Duckhart said:

Wouldn't want him here.....

Neither do I. I want to see one of our homegrown QBs develop and take over after Dante Moore (hopefully) leaves next year. Just an interesting development in the news cycle!

This has really gotten me worked up, part of it is the greed by the player, another is the underhanded nature of the program contacting Williams knowing that he has signed a contract, the fact that there are no rules at all against this sort of behavior, this then relates to the stupidity that is involved with the schedule of the playoffs and the portal. It is just so emblematic of all the problems with college sports right now.

I really hope that Oregon isn't the program that enticed Williams (I don't think we are). It would make me lose a lot of respect for Lanning.

No rules, everyone out for themselves, no loyalty, lying to the fans about how you love them and loved their support, "I have to do what is best for myself," no, you are just selfish and don't care one lick about anyone else but yourself, that goes for coaches as well that do this sort of baloney.

All of this has trickled down to youth sports where you have adults manipulating leagues so that you get all the best kids on the same team, club sports are awful, high schools where you have kids transferring 4 times in 4 years. All of this is such a bad example of how we should live our lives as a community.

I always thought that European sports were missing out on how great high school and college sports could be, but maybe they have it right by having high level youth sports operated by professional clubs, though knowing quite a bit about European football they have their own set of problems with regards to youth and young players.

Depressing.

Edited 10 hours ago10 hr by spartan2785

Lots of assumptions with only a few facts in this thread. Hard to disregard Williams’ missing the memorial for a teammate, but I will. Just suppose he wanted to renegotiate his NIL, and was denied. So his agent said: “Enter the portal and see what kind of offers we can get for bargaining stock.”

14 minutes ago, Grandpa Duck said:

Lots of assumptions with only a few facts in this thread. Hard to disregard Williams’ missing the memorial for a teammate, but I will. Just suppose he wanted to renegotiate his NIL, and was denied. So his agent said: “Enter the portal and see what kind of offers we can get for bargaining stock.”

Here's an update from On3.

Within the last week, Williams renegotiated his NIL deal at an estimated $4 million for one season.

Williams, who is an adult for contractual purposes in Washington, not "a kid," signed an agreement he is trying to back out of. Shame on him. Shame on his agent. And shame on Kiffen and Cristobal if they are indeed the ones trying to poach Williams away from UW.

I see no grey area whatsoever here, and I'm happy the conference is supporting Washington as it is supporting Wisconsin against Miami.

On3

Demond Williams transfer: New information emerges on Wash...

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1 hour ago, spartan2785 said:

I really hope that Oregon isn't the program that enticed Williams (I don't think we are). It would make me lose a lot of respect for Lanning

"Is rumored to be joining Lane Kiffin at LSU." Again, rumors and hearsay at this time. I’m sure it will eventually come out.

Autzen Zoo

The only thing to rival Oregon success is Husky misery

Things are imploding in Montlake. Running back Adam Mohammed has left for Cal, Denzel Boston and Jonah Coleman have finished their careers, and now the Huskies

I don't think we want this guy. Dante - please stay.

LSU? Miami?

Sources: Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson is turning pro. He just informed the Alabama coaches of his decision.

10 minutes ago, DuckFan93 said:

I don't think we want this guy. Dante - please stay.

Whether or not Dante stays, it would be a BAAAAD look.

Dec. 30, 2022 – Williams commits to Ole Miss and Lane Kiffin

July 7, 2023 – Williams re-opens recruitment

Aug 9, 2023 – Williams commits to Arizona and Fisch

Dec. 2023 – signs letter of intent with UA

Jan. 14, 2024 - Fisch hired by Washington

Jan. 21, 2024 – Williams follows Fisch to Washington

1 minute ago, HDuck said:

Dec. 30, 2022 – Williams commits to Ole Miss and Lane Kiffin

July 7, 2023 – Williams re-opens recruitment

Aug 9, 2023 – Williams commits to Arizona and Fisch

Dec. 2023 – signs letter of intent with UA

Jan. 14, 2024 - Fisch hired by Washington

Jan. 21, 2024 – Williams follows Fisch to Washington

January 2, 2026, contracts to play for Washington in 2026-27.

He's over 18, no parental or guardian signature needed.

If teams cannot prevent players from transferring notwithstanding signed agreements, what's to prevent teams from poaching players during the regular season?

According to Greg McElroy, 31% of FBS players are in the portal, with more certain to enter before the January 17, 2026, cut-off date.

The final 4 players will have additional time to enter the portal.

This is a bad look from every direction...

Nov. 10, 2025 - Washington coach Jedd Fisch pushed back against the notion he wants to leave for another job, which was fueled in part because his family isn't living with him while his daughter finishes high school in Arizona.  The 49-year-old Fisch has coached for 14 different college or NFL teams since 2000, never spending more than three seasons at one spot.

With all the current NFL openings, perhaps we’ll take trip down memory lane with where Fisch has coached:  Texans, Ravens, Broncos, Seahawks, Jaguars, Rams, Patriots.  Colleges:  Florida, Minnesota, Miami, Michigan, UCLA, Arizona, Washington

Seems unlikely it would be in-conference to me.

I suppose Williams could just withdraw from school in Seattle and sit out. Can't enforce a "contract" if he isn't there?

NCAA rules require a school to enter a student-athlete's name into the Transfer Portal within two business days of receiving written notification of their intent to transfer; the school cannot refuse this request. I read somewhere in the last hour that schools cannot contract around that NCAA provision. Wish I could re-find the citation.

If folks think UW will sue him, seems like he would have some grounds to counter-sue? Doesn't matter if he is 18 or not if the "contract" has a provision which doesn't comply with NCAA rules?

This was what I was looking at.

(13) Darren Heitner (@heitner) / X

Though, it requires scrolling and opening each message.

SOURCE: Missouri QB Beau Pribula, who is in the transfer portal, is on a visit now to Washington. This comes on the heels of Demond Williams announcing late yesterday that he plans on transferring from UW.

1 hour ago, HDuck said:

I suppose Williams could just withdraw from school in Seattle and sit out. Can't enforce a "contract" if he isn't there?

NCAA rules require a school to enter a student-athlete's name into the Transfer Portal within two business days of receiving written notification of their intent to transfer; the school cannot refuse this request. I read somewhere in the last hour that schools cannot contract around that NCAA provision. Wish I could re-find the citation.

If folks think UW will sue him, seems like he would have some grounds to counter-sue? Doesn't matter if he is 18 or not if the "contract" has a provision which doesn't comply with NCAA rules?

This is a revenue-sharing agreement with the university. Under the agreement, a player waives his right to transfer until the contract expires, in this case, at the end of the 2026-27 season.

UW relied on this agreement. It is now in a position to have to scramble for a QB.

BTW, Williams' teammates learned about this on social media.

In the case of Wisconsin vs. Miami, damages may be difficult to prove. Not in this case, with a marketplace established for players with Williams' stats.

How can any athletic department operate if revenue-sharing agreements across all sports are unenforceable?

In Lane Kiffin's case, his contract with Ole Miss had a liquidated damages clause. I do not know if the B1G HQ approved revenue-sharing agreements have a liquidated damages clause.

I do know that Williams signed a contract, and agents from other schools contacted him. Poaching is against NCAA rules.

If you think a player leaving his coaches and teammates under these circumstances is righteous, then so be it. However, ethics and responsibility to teammates are not determined by NCAA rules.

As reported today by Pete Thamel, under the contract, Williams specifically agreed that if requested, UW does not have to put his name in the transfer portal, and he also specifically agreed not to transfer during the term of the agreement.

This is in return for a direct revenue share of $3 to $4 million and no restriction on Williams's ability to earn NIL money in addition to the direct payment.

The language does not ipso facto lead to UW scoring a summary judgment, but the timing of events and the language of the agreement are now as clear as can be.

Williams' best defense is the obvious one: UW says I am not an employee, so can I sign an enforceable employment agreement?

Of course, a school that wants him badly enough could agree to pay UW for releasing Williams from the contract.

CFB is in complete chaos. Do not expect any help from Congress or from schools acting fraternally. Especially, LSU and Miami.

College Football is Eating Itself Alive?

https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/college-footballs-transfer-portal-has-spun-out-of-control/

So, what does UW get if it can enforce a contract? A disgruntled QB who will be a virus in the lockerroom? And, difficult to manage on the practice and playing field?

A contract by the way, though voluntarily signed, which may have a restriction that is not compliant with NCAA rules and can't be contracted away?

I'm not an attorney, but I did watch a lot of Matlock and Perry Mason episodes. It appears some of the columnist offering opinion on the topic went to the same "law school" as I did.

10 minutes ago, HDuck said:

So, what does UW get if it can enforce a contract? A disgruntled QB who will be a virus in the lockerroom? And, difficult to manage on the practice and playing field?

A contract by the way, though voluntarily signed, which may have a restriction that is not compliant with NCAA rules and can't be contracted away?

I'm not an attorney, but I did watch a lot of Matlock and Perry Mason episodes. It appears some of the columnist offering opinion on the topic went to the same "law school" as I did.

FWIW, Big Ten headquarters, advised by counsel, believes the agreement is complient with any and all rules. Under the agreement, an adult waived his right to enter the portal and the right to demand that UW put his name in the portal. Before signing, Williams understood the terms and conditions of the agreement. He and his advisers were not deceived by UW.

What's UW get? Possibly millions in damages and a precedent that supports the concept that adults are responsible for the agreements they enter into. A precedent that teams should be able to rely on athletes signing revenue-sharing contracts with a school will be on a team's roster.

It's not like many adults, right Lane, are great role models. But LSU paid Ole Miss the millions of dollars owed in liquid damages as Miami paid Oregon when Mario left.

The deal Williams signed with UW is worth between $3 and $4 million for one season of football. That seems to me to be reasonable compensation. Williams being screwed over? Williams and his advisors knew exactly what he was signing.

Unless Williams decided to leave on his own, which I very much doubt, people knowingly interfered with a contract. Some of these people are likely among the folks who advised Williams to sign the contract. Interference with a contract has been a civil offense since the days of English common law.

Did Lane just buy an 8 million dollar college QB?😁