Author: Mark Long
News Sports

‘Cocktail Party’ headed to Tampa in 2027 while EverBank gets a makeover

Mark LongComments Off on ‘Cocktail Party’ headed to Tampa in 2027 while EverBank gets a makeover

The annual Florida-Georgia rivalry will take a break from its traditional home and be played at NFL venues while EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville is undergoing a $1.4 billion renovation. The game will relocate to Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta in 2026 and to Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, the following year. The game is expected to return to Jacksonville beginning in 2028 on a multiyear contract. Action Network first reported the deal, which Florida coach Billy Napier later confirmed. The Southeastern Conference rivals chose to bid out “The World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party” instead of playing at campus sites for financial reasons; they can make more money playing in neutral-site venues.
News Sports

Former Florida signee Jaden Rashada sues coach Billy Napier and others over failed $14M NIL deal

Mark LongComments Off on Former Florida signee Jaden Rashada sues coach Billy Napier and others over failed $14M NIL deal

Former Florida recruit and current Georgia quarterback Jaden Rashada is suing Gators coach Billy Napier and the program’s top booster over a failed name, image and likeness deal worth nearly $14 million. The lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court in Pensacola accuses Napier and booster Hugh Hathcock of fraudulent misrepresentation and inducement, aiding and abetting fraud, civil conspiracy to commit fraud, negligent misrepresentations, tortious inference with a business relationship or contract, aiding and abetting tortious interference and vicarious liability. The complaint seeks a jury trial and damages of at least $10 million.