“In early 2022, independent of the University of Tennessee or anyone associated with its athletics program, Spyre Sports entered into a mutually beneficial contractual relationship with Nico Iamaleava that involved a limited assignment of his NIL rights, no matter which school he chose to attend,” Mars said in the statement on X, formerly known as Twitter. “Such ‘representation agreements’ have become increasingly common. The parties agreed that their contractual rights and obligations would be governed by California law, which freely allows prospective college athletes to enter into such agreements.”
Iamaleava was Tennessee’s backup quarterback last season before starting UT’s 35-0 win against Iowa in the Citrus Bowl after starter Joe Milton opted out. Iamaleava was a five-star prospect in the 2023 recruiting class and the No. 3 prospect nationally in the 247Sports Composite.
Did Tennessee football commit NCAA violations to recruit Nico Iamaleava?
Iamaleava is widely believed to have received a lucrative NIL contract as a heralded prep prospect. He has never confirmed the deal nor spoken about it. In his first media appearance at UT in August, he dodged the topic.
Iamaleava committed to Tennessee in March 2022.
In May 2022, the NCAA reinforced to member schools that using NIL benefits as recruiting inducements violated its rules. At the time, the NCAA amended its policy with plans to retroactively investigate “improper behavior” and NIL collectives involved in recruiting players over the previous 10 months.
Why is the NCAA investigating Tennessee football and NIL?
The NCAA is investigating Tennessee for potential rules violations involving NIL benefits for athletes in multiple sports, including football, a source familiar with the situation told Knox News on Tuesday.
UT confirmed the existence of the investigation, which was first reported by Sports Illustrated. UT did not comment beyond that acknowledgment. A source with direct knowledge of the ongoing investigation told Knox News that UT feels “very strongly that it followed all NCAA guidance related to NIL.”
UT has not received a notice of allegations.
UT could face multiple level 1 and level 2 violations, a source with direct knowledge of the situation told Knox News. In her email, Plowman referenced the possibility that UT could face a charge of lack of institutional control, which is the most serious charge against a university. UT staff met with members of the NCAA enforcement staff Monday to discuss allegations the NCAA intends to bring against the university related to NIL. Plowman denied that any violations occurred.
