Quarterback transfer Nico Iamaleava is responding to criticisms and accusations.
The former Tennessee quarterback publicly addressed recent rumors and allegations suggesting he held out of the College Football Playoff and intentionally underperformed on his way out of the school.
Iamaleava, who entered the spring transfer portal Wednesday, dismissed the claims on his Instagram story on Friday, saying, “Damn I tried to sit out and throw the playoff game too?” accompanied by three laughing emojis and a photo from the first-round matchup against Ohio State.
“These boys just make me laugh, man. Ain’t no way,” he added.
He further mocked the allegations by sharing another image of himself conversing with quarterback Navy Shuler before the game, jokingly captioning it, “how ima throw this game rq [right quick],” again with laughing emojis.
Iamaleava’s remarks come amid his recent departure from Tennessee, following a reported dispute over his name, image, and likeness (NIL) compensation.
Reports indicate that Iamaleava and his representatives sought a new NIL deal valued at $4 million annually, up from his initial $2.25 to $2.5 million contract.
When negotiations stalled, Iamaleava entered the transfer portal, with UCLA emerging as the frontrunner, per The Athletic.
Cowboys star linebacker Micah Parsons was among those to have criticized Iamaleava’s actions as indicative of broader issues within the sport.
“College football a joke now!” Parsons posted on X. “Y’all might as well just make college into a semi-pro league! Actually hold players accountable to the contracts they sign!”
Iamaleava threw for 2,616 yards last season, along with 19 touchdowns and five interceptions.
He also ran for 358 yards and three rushing touchdowns.
