Nico Iamaleava's departure from Tennessee this past spring did not go smoothly, as reports surfaced suggesting that Iamaleava was potentially seeking $4 million from the Volunteers next season as part of his name, image, and likeness deal with the school.

Nico Iamaleava spoke publicly Thursday for the first time since his April transfer saga and claimed money was not his primary motivator for leaving Tennessee for UCLA.

Three months after Nico Iamaleava left Tennessee for UCLA and shook the college football world amidst the most significant contract dispute in the NIL era, the star quarterback finally broke his silence.