University of Central Florida football player Donald De La Haye was given an ultimatum by the NCAA: either continue to play college football or continue his YouTube channel, according to the De La Haye.

De La Haye goes by the username “Deestroying” on YouTube and has reached over 52,000 subscribers. His channel is filled with comedic videos about his life as a kicker for UCF Knights football team.


It was all fun and games for De La Haye until the NCAA began saying that he may have broken several NCAA rules for college players.

De La Haye recently uploaded video titled “QUIT YOUTUBE OR COLLEGE SPORTS?!,” in the video, De La Haye says, “Some people upstairs aren’t happy with my videos and they feel like I’m violating NCAA rules.”

De La Haye goes on to explain that the NCAA says that he shouldn’t post any videos revealing that he is a student athlete.

In the video, De La Haye claims the NCAA believes that he is “using his likeness and image to make money.”

De La Haye does not feel that creating these videos violates any rules.

If fact, De La Haye claims that making money off these videos helps him get experience in marketing, which is his major at UCF.

“Most of us will go pro in something other than sports,” De La Haye said his video.

De La Haye goes on to explain how he is “struggling at home; there’s barely any food and tons of bills piling up…and I’m not allowed to help. I thought I had found a way.”

UCF Athletics released an official statement Monday when addressed about the situation.

“UCF Athletics is committed to rules compliance. Our compliance staff strives to make sure our student-athletes are informed about all pertinent NCAA bylaws. Student-athletes attend regular educational meetings regarding NCAA eligibility. One of our goals is to help our student-athletes learn about the bylaws that govern intercollegiate athletics, in an effort to help them maintain their eligibility.”

Knight News has contacted the NCAA, who informed us that De La Haye is in communication with university compliance, but that the NCAA has not yet received a waiver request or communication from UCF directly regarding the matter.

De La Haye will continue to discuss the situation with university compliance before making a decision, although he mentions how he wants to potentially fight back.

“I want to petition,” De La Haye to Knight News, adding, “I don’t want this to affect athletes down the line and have to go through what I’m going through. I’m an entrepreneur, let me be one.”

When asked if any of his teammates would comment, De La Haye said “I’m not sure. I don’t want to get any of my teammates involved. This is my battle.”

Knight News will continue to follow this story.