The attorney representing Duke quarterback Darian Mensah, spent Tuesday publicly sparring online over the details of his client’s case, including an exchange with Trinidad Chambliss’ attorney, Tom Mars, as the dispute with Duke escalated.
Darren Heitner tried his best to answers questions with a clear dialogue, but sometimes it's counterproductive to argue with the internet masses.
Here are a few highlights from the conversations.
Since you want to play lawyer, look up case law about the significance (or lack thereof) of such a provision when any alleged damages can be compensated through monetary damages, particularly when a calculation is laid out. Look up the definition of irreparable harm, as well.
— Darren Heitner (@heitner) January 23, 2026
Wait, the lawyer you asked for help from while you were drafting the Chambliss lawsuit? The lawyer you said you really appreciated? Yeah, that lawyer told everybody this: https://t.co/z8R5XUYcZ9
— Darren Heitner (@heitner) January 21, 2026
I'm saying you should go back and read the Limitation of Liability section from the contract that Duke published with its filing. Read it carefully.
— Darren Heitner (@heitner) January 23, 2026
Duke sued Mensah on Tuesday, but a Durham County Superior Court judge denied the school’s request for a temporary restraining order that would have prevented the quarterback from entering the transfer portal. Heitner told ESPN that Judge Michael O’Foghludha ruled from the bench, pending a written order, and declined to grant Duke’s request for immediate relief.
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According to Heitner, Duke is expected to place Mensah in the transfer portal Wednesday. He also said O’Foghludha recused himself from future proceedings after disclosing he is a Duke basketball season-ticket holder, prompting the case to be reassigned to Judge Ed Wilson.
The case highlights growing legal tension around NIL contracts, arbitration clauses and schools seeking court intervention to restrict player movement.
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Wilson is scheduled to hear Duke’s request for additional relief on Feb. 2, though Heitner will attempt to move the hearing sooner. Duke argues that Mensah’s NIL contract requires disputes to be resolved through arbitration and has asked the court to preserve the status quo until that process concludes.
Mensah informed coach Manny Diaz of his intent to transfer Friday, the final day of the portal window. The quarterback, who started his career at Tulane, led Duke to a 9-5 record and an ACC championship this season. He had announced in December that he planned to return to Duke rather than enter the NFL draft, despite holding a multi-year NIL deal believed to be worth up to $4 million for 2026.
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