Raleigh, North Carolina - Rolanda Brandon, the mother of acclaimed high school quarterback Faizon Brandon, has filed a lawsuit against the state of North Carolina, challenging its restrictions on public-school athletes profiting from their fame and endorsements. Faizon Brandon, ranked No. 32 in the ESPN Junior 300 and the No. 4 pocket passer in his class, has committed to play for the Tennessee Volunteers.

The lawsuit, filed last week in Wake County Superior Court, names the North Carolina State Board of Education and the Department of Public Instruction as defendants. It arose after a policy was adopted in June, preventing the state's public-school athletes from monetizing their name, image, and likeness (NIL).

Attorney Mike Ingersoll, based in Charlotte, stated, "The State Board of Education was asked to create rules allowing public high school athletes to use their NIL- it was not empowered to ban it. We look forward to correcting the State Board's error and to help our client benefit from the incredible value and opportunities his hard work and commitment have created for his name, image, and likeness."

North Carolina is one of the states that currently prohibits public-school athletes from engaging in NIL activities, such as endorsements, public appearances, and autograph signings, which have become common among college-level athletes. Notably, this restriction does not apply to private-school athletes, including Tennessee recruit David Sanders, the No. 4 overall prospect in the 2025 ESPN 300, who attends Charlotte's Providence Day School. Sanders already has a dedicated website selling merchandise featuring his own image.

The issue of NIL rights for student-athletes has gained significant attention, with several states passing legislation to allow collegiate athletes to profit from their personal brands. While the Tennessee Volunteers and private-school athletes like Sanders have the opportunity to benefit from endorsements and merchandise sales, public-school athletes in North Carolina face limitations that some argue hinders their ability to capitalize on their athletic achievements and potential.

As the lawsuit progresses through the court system, it will seek to challenge the current restrictions and potentially pave the way for North Carolina's public-school athletes to explore the financial benefits available through endorsements and other NIL opportunities.