WACO, Texas (KWTX) – Baylor University is suing a former football player, alleging he breached a buyout agreement on his licensing and endorsement contract after transferring to LSU in January.
Baylor alleges in a lawsuit filed Friday in 170th State District Court that Sean Thompkins, an offensive lineman from Covington, Ga., owes the university $85,000, plus attorneys’ fees, court costs and interest, after failing to own up to the terms of a settlement agreement mediated in May.
Thompkins came to Baylor in 2023 and was redshirted as a freshman. He made his Baylor debut in 2024 in the season opener vs. Tarleton State University, and played in 10 games, with starts at left tackle in the final five games of 2025 as a redshirt sophomore, according to baylorbears.com.
A spokeswoman for Baylor declined comment on the lawsuit, as did Baylor’s attorney, Andy McSwain.
Thompkins’ attorney, Chad Dunne, of St. Petersburg, Fla., did not return messages seeking comment on the suit Friday.
Thompkins signed a Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) agreement with Baylor in December 2025. The lawsuit alleges Baylor agreed to pay him for his NIL rights until June 30, 2027, unless the agreement was terminated before that by either party.
The lawsuit alleges the NIL agreement was terminated automatically on Jan. 1, 2026, when Thompkins entered the NCAA transfer portal and ultimately transferred to LSU. The university alleges he breached the NIL agreement without paying the required “buyout” amount outlined in the contract.
“In an effort to resolve this breach, Plaintiff and Defendant entered into a mediated settlement agreement on May 13, 2026, which outlines a payment schedule for Defendant to settle the ‘buyout’ of the NIL Agreement at a mediated and agreed-upon amount,” the lawsuit states. “Defendant failed to pay any amounts under the Settlement Agreement according to the payment schedule despite the fact that he agreed to make those payments.”
Baylor sent Thompkins and Dunne a written demand for payment on Sept.22, 2026, the lawsuit alleges.
“Despite Plaintiff’s demand, there was no response, and Defendant failed to cure the default,” according to the lawsuit.
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