The Florida State Seminoles men’s basketball team enters a new era this season with Luke Loucks stepping in as head coach following the retirement of longtime leader Leonard Hamilton. Loucks is a familiar face within the FSU community, having played for the Seminoles during his college career. His hiring has been well-received, with many praising the move due to his deep ties to the program.
Hamilton served as head coach for decades, but legal troubles toward the end of his tenure appear to have influenced his decision to step down.
“I am deeply thankful for the tremendous support of our fans, alumni, and everyone associated with Florida State throughout my time here,” Hamilton said. “I am proud of the quality of the young men I had the privilege to lead, their faith in this program, and their belief in the philosophy we tried to instill in them over the years."
Hamilton is now at the center of a lawsuit filed by several former players, who allege he promised them NIL compensation that never materialized.
“Former Florida State Men's Basketball coach Leonard Hamilton was sued in December over unpaid NIL money by former players, who all alleged that Coach Hamilton promised them $250,000. It involved six players from the 2023–24 team: Primo Spear, Jalen Warley, Cam'Ron Fletcher, Darin Green Jr., Josh Nickelberry, and De'Ante Green, but Fletcher has since dropped out of the lawsuit,” Sports Illustrated’s Austin Veazey wrote.
On Monday, Hamilton’s legal efforts suffered a setback as his motion to dismiss the case was denied, meaning the case will proceed to trial.
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“Former Florida State coach Leonard Hamilton’s motion to dismiss was denied at a hearing today and will now be set for trial next year, according to Field of 68 legal analyst, Mitch Gilfillan. Judge found enough factual evidence existed related to promises to pay NIL to FSU players,” Jeff Goodman posted.
This development could spell a difficult legal road ahead for Hamilton. If the players succeed in court, they could receive some or all of the compensation they claim was promised. Over the next year, Hamilton will work to defend his reputation and prove his innocence.