High School Football Star Faizon Brandon Takes Legal Action Against North Carolina's NIL Ban

Faizon Brandon, a highly-touted high school quarterback and the top-ranked recruit in the Class of 2026, has filed a lawsuit against the North Carolina State Board of Education over its prohibition of endorsement deals for student-athletes of public high schools. Brandon, who is committed to Tennessee, is joined in the lawsuit by his mother, Rolanda Brandon. Brandon, a standout at Grimsley High School in Greensboro, North Carolina, was presented with an opportunity by a prominent national trading card company to provide signed memorabilia in exchange for a substantial sum of money. However, the North Carolina NIL Prohibition has prevented Brandon from capitalizing on this opportunity, potentially costing him millions of dollars. Brandon and his family have attempted to resolve the issue directly with the Board, but to no avail. The complaint suggests that the Board's response time was insufficient, and any permanent rule changes would take approximately one year to go into effect. Brandon believes that changing the NIL law in North Carolina can positively impact the lives of future prospects down the line, and he is committed to fighting for the rights of student-athletes. According to the complaint, 38 states and the District of Columbia permit high school athletes to engage in NIL activities without invalidating their amateur status. Brandon's case highlights the need for North Carolina to reconsider its stance on NIL deals and the potential impact it has on the lives of student of student-athletes.