KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — After the NCAA paused its name, image and likeness deal investigations into Tennessee, quarterback Nico Lamaleava gave his thoughts at a press conference on Monday.
The NCAA initially opened an investigation into UT's NIL activities and claimed the university violated its rules, but UT argued the rules were vague.
The details of the investigation have not been publicly released, but news organizations such as The New York Times and Sports Illustrated have suggested in reports that it stems at least in part from recruiting contacts UT may have had with star quarterback Nico Iamaleava and the use of a private jet provided by a collective.
Collectives have become the means by which athletes can secure and receive NIL deals.
After the NCAA's investigation was made public, Tennessee's and Virginia's attorneys general filed an antitrust suit challenging the NCAA's NIL rules. The two argue the NCAA is breaking federal antitrust laws in stymieing the ability of athletes to take part in what's now established legal practice.
Iamaleava spoke on Monday with his own thoughts on the NIL investigations.
"It felt great to know that all the guys behind the scenes are behind us and all the student-athletes," Iamaleava said. "I thought coach Hepuel and everybody in their whole staff has done a great job in keeping us focused on what the main goal is, to be a student-athlete here at the university. I'm focused on ball and I'm glad all that's past us."
Iamaleava used his time to thank UT officials as well as Josh Hepuel for the support.