Quarterback Nico Iamaleava says "false reports" mischaracterized his motivations for leaving Tennessee, adding that he chose UCLA to play closer to home.

Nico Iamaleava spoke during Big Ten Media Days about his decision months after he suddenly left Tennessee to play for UCLA.

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.