SAD NEWS FROM TENNESSEE VOLUNTEERS TODAY…….
The Tennessee Volunteers find themselves in the crosshairs of the NCAA over NIL practices across multiple sports in the athletic department. Included in an investigation is the football program and its recruitment of a five-star signal caller.
The Vols landed Nico Iamaleava’s signature on signing day last year as he became the headliner of the 2023 class. He’d make an instant impact in Knoxville throwing for 314 yards and two scores.
That included a bowl game start against Iowa where he led UT to a dominant 35-0 victory. In that matchup, he completed 12-of-19 attempts for 151 yards and a touchdown. He added three rushing scores, too.
Expected to assume the starting role in 2024, he’s now become the focal point of an NCAA investigation.
Tennessee has fallen under scrutiny due to potential recruiting and NIL violations, one of which is reported to involve the use of a private jet on one of Iamaleava’s campus visits.
The university responded to allegations on Tuesday, essentially placing all the blame on the NCAA.
Tom Mars, an attorney that dealt with Iamaleava’s rumored $8 million NIL deal, also responded to the news on behalf of the Spyre Sports Group.
Mars is a lawyer who previously worked as a director of Arkansas Police and general counsel for Walmart. He also has a notable history in college sports.
The Wall Street Journalbroke down some of his previous dealings with both the NCAA and high-profile universities over the years, which now make up a lengthy list.
His past experiences include the scandal at Ole Miss under Hugh Freeze, where he worked to clear the name of former Rebels head coach Houston Nutt.
Still, it’s shown he can go toe-to-toe with college sports’ most powerful governing body and come out on top. The NCAA even took note, later hiring him in an enforcement role as an “independent external advocate.”
That could benefit Nico Iamaleava and Tennessee
Mars’ familiarity with the NCAA can only be an advantage in Tennessee’s case. Not only has he gone to battle against them, but he’s won.
That should bode well for Nico Iamaleava given the lawyer’s connection with the Vol Club NIL collective and his involvement in the quarterback’s NIL dealings.
