Darian Mensah, the former quarterback of Duke University, has reached a resolution with the institution regarding their legal dispute, allowing him to pursue a transfer to another school. The settlement was announced by Young Money APAA Sports, the agency representing Mensah, early Tuesday morning.
This agreement effectively concludes an ongoing lawsuit that Duke had initiated against Mensah. Although Duke confirmed the settlement via a social media update, the court records had not yet reflected the closure of the case as of 9:15 AM ET.
“We commend Darian for his extraordinary professionalism, maturity, and unwavering commitment to making the decision that best serves his future and his family,” stated the agency in their announcement.
Last week, Duke filed a lawsuit in the Superior Court of Durham County, aiming to block Mensah from transferring while the university sought arbitration over a revenue-sharing contract that extended until 2026. This contract granted Duke exclusive rights to Mensah”s name, image, and likeness in connection to higher education and football.
A judge issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) that briefly prevented Mensah from enrolling at or playing for another institution. However, the ruling also clarified that Duke could not obstruct Mensah from entering the transfer portal, which he officially did on January 21.
The next scheduled hearing was set for January 29, but it appears that both parties have successfully resolved their differences outside of court. This settlement enables Mensah to transfer and engage in football activities at a new school immediately, provided he enrolls in time for the upcoming spring semester.
Since announcing his intention to enter the transfer portal, Mensah has been associated with a potential move to Miami.
