Even when you are surrounded by greatness, old habits have a bad way of returning. And for Indianapolis Colts’ HOF running back Edgerrin James, what’s happening with his son is nothing short of deja vu.

At just three years old, Edgerrin Tyree James Jr., aka Jizzle, was already making jump shots that made it clear his future belonged on the hardwood and not the gridiron. But while he always had a passion for basketball, the 2022 four-star prospect grew up to be a laid-back college student before realization hit him, and he turned into a fierce competitor. With the Cincinnati Bearcats, the point guard looked everything like a rising star. Fast forward to now, and his father is raising concerns after what has already been a roller coaster NCAA career for Jizzle.

“Jizzle is dealing with substance abuse and is NOT in the right state of mind right now,” wrote James in his Instagram story. “If you see him, show him LOVE-but DO NOT give him money, valuables, or anything material. You’re not helping him by feeding the problem.

“He wants/needs for NOTHING…Give him a hug. Give him encouragement. Give him love. THAT’S IT…Be patient with him. We’re fighting for him, not against him. “Everything’s Gonna Be Alright.” EDGE.”

The 21-year-old point guard had joined the Bearcats after graduating from Olympia High School and ended his freshman year with a bang. First, in his first career start, he blasted with a career-high 25 points in the NIT second-round win over Bradley, with the Colts legend sitting courtside, supporting him. He then followed it up with his second-best 21 points in a loss to ISU in the next round to get an all-Big 12 honorable mention selection. By August 2025, however, things had already taken a turn for the worse.

As it turned out, the player who was viewed as an elite returning junior was cut by the team because he had “been dealing with personal issues throughout the summer.

“We removed him from the team last month,” head coach Wes Miller had said then. “He is currently not a member of our basketball program. As this is a personal matter, I will have no further comment at this time.”

Interestingly, some time before the official announcement was made, Jizzle had posted a reel of himself working out in the gym that did not indicate that there was any problem. Before he could look elsewhere, though, James was called back on the roster mid-season and played 23 games in 2025, averaging 10.9 points and 2.1 assists per game. By the 2026 offseason, he had already made up his mind.

When Miller was hired by the Charlotte 49ers earlier this year, Jizzle followed him to North Carolina. However, according to CBS Sports’ Matt Norlander and a member of the Charlotte sports information staff, he is no longer part of the 49ers either.

The Colts’ legend has not yet revealed the exact situation of his son. Jizzle is one of James’ six children and is one of the four children James had with his longtime girlfriend Andia (30), who died from leukemia in 2009. Meanwhile, James Jr. was handed an official notice by the Bearcats.

Cincinnati hands Jizzle a notice, but the point guard clapped back

Back in 2022, when James Jr. was still in high school, the 53rd-overall prospect in the nation had his hands full with offers from the likes of LSU, Georgetown, Georgia, Ole Miss, and North Carolina State, among others. However, the Bearcats’ environment and “hard-nosed” style of play attracted Jizzle. Meanwhile, it also worked out things for Cincinnati.

After a disappointing 2021-22 year when they had an 18-15 record, the Bearcats were looking for talent to get back into the NCAA tournament. With enough skills and celebrity pedigree behind him, Jizzle made a lot of sense for the team. And it did work, until it didn’t. When he moved to UNC earlier this year, they handed out a notice to him.

“As you are no longer a member of the University of Cincinnati men’s basketball program, you are no longer authorized to use, represent, or commercially promote the University of Cincinnati basketball program, including the use of the University’s name, logos, uniforms, jerseys, or other team-related likenesses,” the message read.

Jizzle did not take the message on his chin, though.

“I have my own merch I made. I don’t need y’all jerseys, and [expletive] Cincinnati for all I care.”

Since then, Jizzle James hasn’t been a part of an active roster. Per reports, however, the 21-year-old remains open to playing college basketball. For now, though, it remains to be seen whether he will get another opportunity following his father’s revelation about him.

Edgerrin James, meanwhile, spent 11 seasons in the NFL, primarily with the Colts. During his time in Indianapolis, the former running back earned three First-Team All-Pro and four Pro Bowl nods, while also winning the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year honors. Following his Colts stint, James spent time with the Arizona Cardinals before eventually retiring after a brief stint with the Seattle Seahawks.