Former NFL stars Robert Griffin III and Richard Sherman are going at it after Griffin alleged that Stanford used to pay players under the table.
Sherman defended his alma mater and went after Griffin for his accusation, and the Heisman-Trophy winner refused to back down from his statement.
Richard Sherman Blasts Robert Griffin III for Accusing Stanford of Paying Players
This all started when Griffin appeared on “The Dan Patrick Show” and was asked which schools were known for paying players under the table prior to the NIL era.
Griffin stated that SEC schools paid the most, but alleged that Stanford and Florida State were also major offenders.
“I know for a fact that the SEC was paying the most under the table.” — @RGIII says players were getting paid in college long before NIL 👀 pic.twitter.com/ysQlWGY8me
— Dan Patrick Show (@dpshow) September 2, 2026
“I know for a fact that the SEC was paying the most under the table… There were two teams outside of the SEC that were paying a lot of guys under the table, and it was Stanford and Florida State,” Griffin said. “You’re talking hundreds of thousands per player. They were spending millions already back then, doing it in unique ways. I won’t get into all of that; I’m not trying to get sued!”
He eventually added that some schools would set up bank accounts for certain players and deposit money into them, while also funneling money to players through internships.
Sherman wasn’t thrilled to see Griffin accusing Stanford of breaking the rules. Stanford already had a tough night on Friday, with Miami blowing them out 45-6 in Week 1 behind a monster performance from stars Malachi Toney and Darian Mensah. Sherman didn’t mince words while calling out Griffin for his allegations.
“I usually don’t comment on what [Robert Griffin III] says but you aren’t just going to disparage Stanford with outright lies. Stanford has never paid any players under the table and had no need to. Not sure what your issue is but the clout chasing with made up stories need to end,” said Sherman.
I usually don’t comment on what @RGIII says but you aren’t just going to disparage Stanford with outright lies. Stanford has never paid any players under the table and had no need to. Not sure what your issue is but the clout chasing with made up stories need to end. https://t.co/SbfsR7e7EK
— Richard Sherman (@RSherman_25) September 5, 2026
Griffin’s accusation wasn’t limited to Stanford, but Sherman wasn’t going to let it slide once his school was mentioned. Griffin refused to back down, responding to Sherman.
“Don’t do this Richard. You comment when it’s pro you and Stanford. Evidence below.
I don’t lie about any story I have shared. You may not have been paid and that’s okay.
But Stanford did pay some of their guys,” said Griffin, while sharing a screenshot of a previous exchange with Sherman where he wrote, “What happens in P.A. stays in P.A.”
Don’t do this Richard.
You comment when it’s pro you and Stanford. Evidence below.
I don’t lie about any story I have shared.
You may not have been paid and that’s okay.
But Stanford did pay some of their guys. pic.twitter.com/QeDERhLU2b— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) September 5, 2026
In a separate post, Griffin fired back once again.
“Stanford gave a player $3k for a bike loan, free car, meals, and a vacation home before NIL was legal,” Griffin added. “I don’t know what’s wrong with you, but you need to stop clout chasing and spreading outright lies… I didn’t pick this fight, but I will finish it.”
Stanford gave a player $3k for a bike loan, free car, meals, and a vacation home before NIL was legal.
I don’t know what’s wrong with you, but you need to stop clout chasing and spreading outright lies @RSherman_25
I didn’t pick this fight, but I will finish it. https://t.co/BKztDM2R2k pic.twitter.com/fgUKQqYbJ1
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) September 5, 2026
Sherman seems adamant that his alma mater was not breaking the NCAA’s rules by paying players, but Griffin is adamant that Stanford was throwing money around.
It’s possible that Griffin is right and Sherman just wasn’t aware that some of his teammates were getting paid, but it remains to be seen if this beef between two former NFL stars escalates.
