Mario Cristobal says Miami won’t tolerate NIL holdouts: ‘They might as well get out’

The Nico Iamaleava drama rocked the college football world over the weekend. Mario Cristobal has made it clear that Miami won’t be playing games with any players who hold out for more NIL money.

It was initially reported Thursday that Iamaleava was in negotiations with Tennessee for more NIL money. After Iamaleava did not show up to Friday practice, Volunteers coach Josh Heupel confirmed the program was moving on from Iamaleava.

Cristobal was asked about the situation after Miami’s spring game Saturday. Cristobal said that any Miami player who wants to hold out for more NIL money can get out.

“We’re not going to do that at Miami, and I say that without any hesitation,” Cristobal said. “If anyone’s thinking that — and they could be the best player in the world — if they want to play hold out, they might as well play get out. We don’t want to do that, and we don’t want Miami to become that. Too many guys have sweat and bled and laid it on the line on that field to ever become that kind of program.”

Numerous Miami players have made headlines for NIL deals with the program. Cristobal, though, has made it clear that any contract negotiations will not involve missing practice or games if they want to stay with the Hurricanes.

Strong words from Canes Head Coach Mario Cristobal in the wake of Tennessee QB Nico Iamaleava's hold out-turned departure.

"If they wanna play hold out, they might as well play get out." pic.twitter.com/pqJZbIVqmk

— Clay Ferraro (@ClayWPLG) April 12, 2025

Andrew Olson

Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaigns of Fred Taylor and Andruw Jones.