running back Rahsul Faison is taking legal action as he and the University of South Carolina await a critical ruling from the NCAA regarding his eligibility for the 2025 football season. Amid mounting frustration and continued uncertainty, Faison has hired prominent sports attorney Darren Heitner to assist in navigating the complex and often opaque waiver process.
At the heart of the situation is Faison’s request for a waiver under the NCAA’s recently implemented “Pavia Rule.” Instituted in December, the Pavia Rule aims to streamline and clarify the waiver process for athletes facing atypical academic or eligibility challenges. It offers a more structured pathway for student-athletes to appeal for additional years of eligibility—an important development in an evolving collegiate athletic landscape that increasingly recognizes the unique circumstances student-athletes can face throughout their careers.
Despite the introduction of the Pavia Rule, Faison’s case remains unresolved, and delays have prompted him to bring in legal support. On Wednesday afternoon, the South Carolina standout made his move public by announcing on social media that he has retained Darren Heitner, a Fort Lauderdale-based attorney well known for his work with college athletes. Heitner’s portfolio includes high-profile cases involving NCAA eligibility, Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) matters, and hardship waivers.
Heitner is no stranger to the South Carolina athletics scene. He previously represented Gamecocks basketball player Myles Stute, who successfully secured a medical hardship waiver after being sidelined for the 2023-24 season due to a blood clot. That success story adds a layer of optimism to Faison’s current battle, with many fans and university insiders hopeful that Heitner’s involvement will expedite the process and ultimately lead to a favorable outcome.
Faison’s legal maneuver signals both the stakes of his case and a broader trend in collegiate athletics—student-athletes are becoming more proactive and legally savvy in protecting their careers. The fact that a waiver is even necessary underscores the ongoing challenges within NCAA bureaucracy, where cases like Faison’s can languish for weeks or months with little transparency.
As the 2025 season approaches, the outcome of Faison’s eligibility case will carry significant implications not only for his own future but also for South Carolina’s backfield depth. Known for his explosive running style and team-first mentality, Faison has earned a loyal following within Gamecock Nation. Now, with his eligibility hanging in the balance, all eyes turn to the NCAA—and to Darren Heitner’s legal strategy.
With pressure mounting and the clock ticking, Faison’s move to lawyer up could prove to be a game-changer. His fight isn’t just about getting back on the field; it’s about challenging a system that many believe is in desperate need of reform. Whether the NCAA will respond in time remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Rahsul Faison isn’t backing down.
