TENNESSEE have sent shockwaves through college football over the reason for quarter-back Nico Iamaleava’s departure.
Coach Josh Heupel took the bold decision to do without his star man in a $4million dispute over NIL – earnings from “name, image, and likeness” rights.
Heupel acted after Iamaleava missed team meetings and spring practice on Friday as the saga dragged on.
College football has been amateur since 1869 – but NCAA athletes have been allowed to make money from NIL since last year.
Iamaleava signed such a deal in 2022, reportedly worth $2m a year.
But it’s understood his representatives have been in negotiations with Tennessee over DOUBLING that figure.
But Heupel has now acted decisively – to end what he calls an “unfortunate situation”.
He told his players at a team meeting that Iamaleava would not be staying.
Fans are stunned at how the NCAA could get caught up in such a big-money wrangle.
One posted: “What happened to college football.” And another wrote: “A college hold-in. Wild.”
Heupel admits it was a tough call – with Iamaleava regarded as an outstanding prospect.
The 20-year-old Californian made his first start at the 2024 Orange Bowl and had a brilliant SEC season for the Volunteers.
Tennessee achieved an impressive 10-3 record as they earned a spot in the newly-expanded College Football Playoff.
The Vols averaged 221.2 yards passing per game last season.
Iamaleava clocked up 18 appearances, throwing for 2,930 yards.
In all, 19 of his 21 touchdown passes came last year, along with each of his five interceptions.
Heupel thanked Iamaleava for his work with the Vols.
But he also confirmed he is taking a long-term attitude.
He added: “This program has been around for a long time with a lot of great coaches and a lot of great players that laid the cornerstone pieces, the legacy, the tradition that is Tennessee football.
“It’s going to be around a long time after I’m done and after they’re gone, and that’s what special about being here is that there is a legacy and a tradition that is so rich and a logo that’s recognized not just across the nation but around the world too.”
and of losing a player, heupel said: “If it’s going to happen, rip the Band-Aid, too.
“At the end of the day, we got a lot of great work for the two guys that are here. We’ve got a chance to move forward as a program.
“It’s unfortunate in the landscape of college football that it happens at this point.”
It leaves Tennessee with a headache over how to replace Iamaleava.
But Heupel was in bullish mood.
He put in bluntly: “He’s moving on, we’re moving on, too.
“We’ll be ready to roll when we get to next fall.”
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