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Nico Iamaleava’s camp claims QB didn’t ask for more money from Vols, per report
By Paul Harvey
Published:
Now former Tennessee starting quarterback Nico Iamaleava is in the transfer portal on Wednesday morning with the window opening up, confirming a long-expected move for the player. However, one aspect of his reported NIL saga with the Vols is being disputed by a member of his camp.
In a Wednesday morning report from Front Office Sports, an individual identified as a close family friend of Nic Iamaleava, Nico’s father, with knowledge of the discussions claimed the narrative that Nico sought more money is “bulls—.” FOS claims other sources dispute those claims, but the source within the Iamaleava camp claims the quarterback did not receive bad advice or get put in a bad situation.
“His representation hasn’t steered him wrong,” the family friend says. “At the end of the day, what did we do wrong to steer him and put him in a bad situation? We didn’t.”
Recent reports have indicated that Iamaleava considered sitting out the College Football Playoff showdown vs. Ohio State in the middle of a dispute. However, the individual cited by FOS claims the thrust of that dispute was seeking agreements from Tennessee that the Vols would address the offensive line and get some receivers in the offseason.
“Big Nic said, ‘We want you guys to reassure us that you’re going to recruit and get the O-line right, that you’re going to go out there and you’re going to get receivers,’” the friend said.
That source claimed to FOS that the discussions were not about money at that time. However, FOS cited a separate source who claims Iamaleava’s camp did seek a raise at the time.
It is certainly an interesting chapter in the twists and turns of the saga, but it is also hard for many fans to buy that money was not at the center of the dispute. That is only furthered by one report indicating multiple suitors are waiting to see if Iamaleava’s NIL demands will fall before pursuing the QB in the portal.
Paul Harvey lives in Atlanta and covers SEC football.
