Commanders Bench 26 Players for Preseason Opener as Jayden Daniels Sits Out

Q: What hidden legal battle is fueling the bitter dispute between an NFL star and his former college over a simple jersey number?

The fight over LSU’s No. 5 is really being driven by a name-image-likeness dispute, not a legal right to the jersey itself. Jayden Daniels’ attorney sent LSU a cease-and-desist letter on Aug. 5 arguing that the school’s contractual right to use Daniels’ name, image and likeness expired after a 180-day post-contract period tied to his final college game. Daniels’ camp says LSU has continued using his NIL beyond that window, and the jersey decision involving cornerback DJ Pickett became the flashpoint that brought the dispute into public view. Legal experts quoted in coverage of the case say Daniels is unlikely to have a valid claim to control who wears No. 5. LSU assigns jersey numbers, and under school policy even retired jerseys can often be reissued at the head coach’s discretion. Experts said a player generally does not “own” a number absent a specific agreement. Where Daniels may have leverage is over commercial use of his identity. Lawyers interviewed by The Athletic said LSU can still reference historical facts — such as Daniels having played there, won the Heisman, or appearing in record books and archival displays. But if LSU is using his likeness in advertising, merchandising, or other commercial ways after the license expired, that could require his permission. So the hidden legal battle is over whether LSU is unlawfully exploiting Daniels’ NIL after his contract ended, with the No. 5 controversy serving as the trigger rather than the core legal claim.

3 articles · Updated · NBC Sports · Aug 14

Washington ruled out Jayden Daniels and 25 other players for Friday night’s preseason opener against Miami, leaving most projected starters on the sideline.
Marcus Mariota, Sam Hartman and Athan Kaliakmanis will handle quarterback duties in Daniels’ absence as the Commanders manage playing time in the exhibition opener.
Sonny Styles, the team’s first-round linebacker, was not on the inactive list, making him a notable exception among the starters expected to sit.
Daniels’ absence also comes after a week of friction with LSU over the school’s decision to give his former No. 5 to cornerback DJ Pickett for the 2026 season.