Many in the state were left devastated after it was announced that the Tennessee Volunteers would be moving on from quarterback Nico Iamaleava amid NIL turmoil and failed contract renegotiations.
One of those heartbroken fans? East Tennessee pastor Josh Sullivan, who was rescued during a shootout in South Africa after being kidnapped Thursday night.
Why a South Africa Kidnapping Survivor Was More Shaken by Nico Iamaleava’s Portal Entry
According to reports, Sullivan was abducted by gunmen while preaching a sermon and was held at gunpoint for 20 minutes inside his home before being rescued.
While that harrowing situation unfolded, Tennessee was undergoing its own version of a hostage standoff—ultimately deciding to move on from Iamaleava after it was reported that the quarterback had pushed for a $2 million NIL raise.
Fellow Baptist pastor Tom Hatley told WVLT-TV that Sullivan, who has lived in South Africa since 2018, had one thing on his mind after being rescued—and it wasn’t his own safety.
“And they said, ‘Well, you know, Nico left, didn’t you?’” Hatley recalled. “And his wife told me last night that the biggest conversation they’ve had has been about Nico. Hey, the boy was raised in East Tennessee—what can I tell you?”
Nico Iamaleave Has Potentially Found New Home After Tennessee Turmoil
According to reports from Colin Cowherd, Iamaleava is headed to UCLA. But despite earlier criticisms that he was chasing money, sources say the move is not about NIL riches.
“I am told — moments ago — Nico Iamaleava is going to UCLA. Family still claims it’s NOT about the money, it’s about the (Tennessee) offense. I was not told what the Bruins are paying,” Cowherd wrote.
Though the financial terms were not disclosed by Cowherd, South Knoxville reporter Richard G. West later reported that the deal is far below the quarterback’s original asking price.
“Per source, his NIL deal from UCLA is just slightly north of $1 million. Drastically lower than the $4 million his father, Nic, was asking for,” West wrote.
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UCLA is set to kick off its 2025–26 NCAA season with a matchup against Utah on Aug. 30 at the Rose Bowl Stadium.
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