FILE PHOTO: Nov 4, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Florida State Seminoles head coach Mike Norvell on the sidelines against the Pittsburgh Panthers during the second quarter at Acrisure Stadium./Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports/File Photo
Florida has announced the departure of Marcus Castro-Walker, who served as the Director of Player Engagement and oversaw Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) activities for the university. This confirmation came from a UF spokesperson in response to initial reports by Graham Hall of 247Sports regarding Castro-Walker’s exit.
According to the spokesperson, Steve McClain, Castro-Walker is no longer employed by the athletic department. His departure is notable as he had joined Florida in December 2021 and played a central role in the ongoing NCAA investigation into the program’s recruitment of quarterback Jaden Rashada from the class of 2023.
The NCAA inquiry focuses on Rashada’s recruitment by Florida and the subsequent turmoil surrounding his signing, particularly regarding NIL matters. Rashada, a highly touted quarterback, initially committed to Miami but later switched to Florida in a social media announcement. However, he did not enroll at the university as expected in January 2023, leading to his request for release from his National Letter of Intent, which was granted by Florida.
Reports surfaced suggesting that a collapsed NIL contract between Rashada, his representatives, and the Gator Collective fundraising group contributed to his departure from Florida’s recruiting class. The deal was reportedly valued at over $13 million.
McClain emphasized Florida’s cooperation with the NCAA investigation while maintaining confidentiality as per NCAA policies. Castro-Walker had previously described his role in facilitating relationships between athletes, fundraising groups like the Gator Collective, and donors, ensuring compliance with NCAA regulations regarding third-party contributions to players.
Following his release from Florida, Rashada ultimately signed and enrolled at Arizona State University. Florida’s head coach, Billy Napier, expressed his focus on preparing the team amidst the ongoing developments, refraining from discussing specifics due to NCAA regulations and the complexities of NIL involvement in college athletics.
As the situation unfolds, further updates will be provided regarding this breaking news story.
