Several analysts see the possibility of Florida firing Billy Napier before the season as a very real one due to ex-Gators QB commit Jaden Rashada's lawsuit against the head coach, top Gators booster Hugh Hathcock, and former football staffer Marcus Castro-Walker for an unpaid $13.85 million NIL deal.
"Never would have imagined Billy Napier would be fired before the season, but can’t completely rule it out now," Michael Bratton said.
"This could open up a 'fired for cause' loophole if Florida wanted to go that route," Kentucky Sports Radio's Adam Luckett prefaced before saying, "That's blatant cheating by Billy Napier per the NCAA 'rules' if true."
"If Billy Napier actually promised a recruit a $1 million payment on Signing Day and then backed out, how can Florida keep him? I know he’s been a disaster as Florida’s coach, but holy s***," Barstool's Brandon Walker wrote.
Napier and Co. reportedly duped Rashada into thinking he'd be getting a record payday without ever having an intention of following through with their promises. That caused Rashada to de-commit from UF and sign with ASU, where he'd appear in three games. Rashada completed 44 of the 82 passes he threw to go with four touchdowns and three interceptions.
Since, he has transferred to Georgia to be Carson Beck's backup in 2024 and potentially the team's QB1 in 2025 and beyond.
Jaden Rashada transferred to Florida's main rival with chance to beat Billy Napier's Gators
It's understandable if Rashada has hate in his heart for Napier and the Gators program if what is stated in his lawsuit is true. By that same token, it's completely logical why he'd want to play for Florida's primary rival, Georgia, besides the championship opportunities being on the Bulldogs affords him.
Rashada's career has flown off the rails to the point where he's now onto a third school, and it's fair to question what his career would've been like had he stayed at UF and gotten what he was promised.
For his sake, he may see some justice, if everything he's claiming is true, with Napier's dismissal from Gainesville.