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9h ago

Georgia Seeks Arbitration to Recover $390,000 From Ex-Defender Damon Wilson Over NIL Exit Clause

The dispute is emerging as a test of whether NIL liquidated-damages provisions can be enforced when athletes transfer.

Oct 12, 2024; Athens, Georgia, USA; Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Damon Wilson II (10) tries to tackle Mississippi State Bulldogs quarterback Michael Van Buren Jr. (0) at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
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Overview

  • UGAA filed a petition asking a judge to compel Wilson into arbitration and pursue $390,000 tied to his January move to Missouri.
  • Court filings say Wilson signed a 14-month, $500,000 licensing deal with Classic City Collective on Dec. 21, 2024, then entered the portal less than two weeks after a $30,000 first payment.
  • The agreement required a lump-sum repayment of all unpaid base fees if he withdrew from the team, which Georgia calculates as $390,000, excluding two $40,000 bonuses.
  • Classic City assigned its rights to UGAA on July 1 as schools assumed NIL payment duties; UGAA sent an arbitration demand Aug. 25, filed its petition Oct. 17, and records show Wilson has not responded since being served in November.
  • Legal analysts say Georgia must show the sum reflects reasonable damages rather than a penalty, noting similar Arkansas cases have been complicated and remain unresolved.