UTK QB Nico Iamaleava holding out for more NIL money (TN/Nico part ways - Entering portal)

[tusks_n_raider]

College football is dead

It’s Minor League Pro Football.

Basically the NFL’s G league.

 

[Joefus]

Until these kids are placed under contract with their respective school, expect this to occur often. Under the current system or lack thereof, what could stop several players from refusing to play in an upcoming game unless their demand for mor $ is met? Absurd.

Only thing I can think of as a downside for the athlete is the college saying well ok bye 👋🏻 and the athlete screwing themselves outta half or a whole season. Plus what nfl team wants to draft a player that’s already holding out in college. REALLY bad look this early in your career.

 

[PA Tide Fan]

At first it was just the backups who weren't happy about being backups that left, but now the starters aren't even happy. It never ends.

 

[4Q Basket Case]

I'm not laughing. It's a matter of time, maybe not much time at all, before it's us in the barrel.

Spring football portal runs April 16 - 25. We could be the target as soon as this coming Wednesday, with the threat of a transfer as soon as A-Day is done tomorrow.

 

[Special K]

I'm just not that interested anymore, I hate to say. I hope Alabama does well, but I'm exponentially less emotionally invested than I've ever been. NIL combined with insane transfer rules has completely ruined the sport I loved more than any other. Sad times indeed.

 

[Rockettman]

I'm just not that interested anymore, I hate to say. I hope Alabama does well, but I'm exponentially less emotionally invested than I've ever been. NIL combined with insane transfer rules has completely ruined the sport I loved more than any other. Sad times indeed.

Same for me and I never thought anything would make me lose passion for this sport that I love so much. And the scary thing is it's just getting started. I'm scared to even think what college football will look like in 10 years.

 

[Cruloc]

Wait til some QB like this at a big football program decides to hold out right before some big game.

It's going to happen

 

[Slowpoke Catracho]

The "invisible Hand" works in my$teriou$ ways and can unexpected consequences.

 

[4Q Basket Case]

Same for me and I never thought anything would make me lose passion for this sport that I love so much. And the scary thing is it's just getting started. I'm scared to even think what college football will look like in 10 years.

I agree. But I've been thinking about it a while now, and I really believe some sanity is on the way. Otherwise, they really will become the NFL's G-League.

It just about has to start with a Congressional exemption from anti-trust laws. That opens the way for collective bargaining, along with binding contracts enforced by the NLRB.

I think the reason it'll come relatively soon is, as with all things, money. Too many major schools have issued bonds (IOW, borrowed money) to pay for massive expansions of stadiums, arenas, training facilities, etc., etc., ad infinitum.

So if the sport dries up, they're in a huge pinch for debt service on those bonds. And it's not isolated to any one school, conference or area of the country. It's all over the place. I think it's a matter of a relatively short time (2-5 years) before there's some governing legislation and labor agreements that'll be enforceable over all 50 states.

Here's something to think about, just me spitballing. The current situation favors a few high-profile athletes. We all hear about the Nico Iamaleavas or Carson Becks. But that's a really small number of athletes. The significant majority don't make anywhere near what we hear bandied about for the stars.

Suppose the necessary legislation is passed. But players haven't unionized because there are a few stars who wouldn't benefit. So the schools band together and say, "Unionize or don't play. We will negotiate only with a union, not individuals."

IOW, a lockout. Doesn't happen much, but there is precedent in industry. Of course, it looks like there's significant incentive for a school to go rogue. But if the major programs mostly stick together, who would the rogue play?

I know I'm just playing a wildly speculative game of if, if, if, if. Chances of a lockout are slim. But I once thought they were zero. I don't think that anymore.

 

[4Q Basket Case]

Wait til some QB like this at a big football program decides to hold out right before some big game.

It's going to happen

Sadly, I agree. It's coming. Just a question of who's first. I just hope it's not us.

 

[Slowpoke Catracho]

There is going to have to be a separation between student and athlete, because the courts are going to say that you can go to any school you choose to pursue a degree. Which comes down to the "highest bidder".

 

[bamaga]

I hope they work it out! He ‘s really not very good.

 

[Con]

Hope they truly don’t blink.

Should immediately kick him off the team and out of school.

I’d want Alabama to do the same.

I still don’t like players being on our team that hit the portal for leverage.

Yep, I hate Tennessee with a passion but I hope they don’t cave to his demands.

 

[CB4]

So his NIL deal coming out of high school was said to be $8 million over four years. Supposedly he is set to make $2.2 million this his third year.

Saying “I want $4 million now” is just plain stupid. I’d say “well buh-bye…”

 

[tusks_n_raider]

So his NIL deal coming out of high school was said to be $8 million over four years. Supposedly he is set to make $2.2 million this his third year.

Saying “I want $4 million now” is just plain stupid. I’d say “well buh-bye…”

Especially because he’s a Top 40-50th QB statistically at best.

He averaged about 200 yards passing and 1.5 Passing TD’s per game in what is supposed to be a high octane offense.

$4 Million

Lol

Bye

 

[CrimsonTheory]

Their QBs behind Nico does not seem all that strong. There seems to be a lot of hype that 2025 could be a "special season" but that could come to an end if Nico says bye.

 

[4Q Basket Case]

There is going to have to be a separation between student and athlete, because the courts are going to say that you can go to any school you choose to pursue a degree. Which comes down to the "highest bidder".

A Congressional exemption from anti-trust, followed by a CBA, would get around that.

But it’ll take nothing less.

If that’s not forthcoming, you’re right.

 

[CrimSonami]

I'm just not that interested anymore, I hate to say. I hope Alabama does well, but I'm exponentially less emotionally invested than I've ever been. NIL combined with insane transfer rules has completely ruined the sport I loved more than any other. Sad times indeed.

THIS. Me too!
Those who come to me for thoughts, concerns, conversation and information on Bama Football sometimes give me the confused puppy look when I tell them I’m not as invested and don’t study it like I used to. At this point I’ll still set aside time to watch but it’s becoming more of a social gathering than an exciting event.

 

[RammerJammer14]

Dump him, 2nd string is now the starter.

 

[December05]

If he had any touch on his deep ball whatsoever and hit some guys running free through our secondary last year, they would’ve beaten us by 3+ scores.

I dislike that crowd as much as anyone, but every other major program needs them to stand their ground and set precedent before this BS heads our way.

Just as important as their stand would be any competitor’s commitment not to defeat their purpose by giving him what he wants when he picks up his ball and heads his sorry tail end to the portal.

Do the right thing, Tennessee.