The ongoing saga involving Chaz Coleman and the Tennessee Vols has captured the attention of Tennessee fans as summer workouts begin for the Big Orange. Expected to arrive in town on Wednesday, Coleman has not yet been confirmed in Knoxville.

Coleman left during spring practice for off-field/personal issues that were characterized by some as being homesick. However, it’s still not entirely clear what the issue is.

Coleman raised some eyebrows this week when pictures from his Instagram account popped up showing him holding a large chunk of money and posing in front of a car. And that raises the question: how much has Tennessee paid Coleman? And what would they be out if they moved on from him?

According to former Tennessee Vols QB Erik Ainge, it’s less than many might think. Ainge discussed the topic on his show on Thursday, and he said Coleman has been paid no more than $25,000 so far.

According to former Tennessee Vol Erik Ainge, Chaz Coleman has been paid no more than $25,000 so far

“And then he’s not showing up, and here’s the thing, he has hardly made any money, like hardly any,” Ainge said. “I saw an Ohio State fan was on Twitter yesterday going, ‘he got paid three million dollars and UT is stupid and we’re amazing.’ Come on. The dude has made hardly any money. I heard less than twenty five (thousand). Charlie, you heard less than than.

“They have not been paying him. When he started having this and not showing up and not holding up his end of the bargain, he didn’t get a seven-figure check to not play and go through spring ball and not show up. They’re not out really anything right now.”

So, if what Ainge says is accurate, there’s no real financial strain on Tennessee if they decide enough is enough and move on from Coleman in the near future.

And that’s a decision that is going to be an important one for Heupel. Tennessee has lost out on some important players by catering to talent that came with baggage. Boo Carter vs. Jakobe Thomas was a painful one for Vol fans. And Jordan Ross vs. Chaz Coleman could be another one.

But, if this about more than just being truly homesick — and Coleman’s social media post begs that question — it’s fair game for Heupel and Tennessee to say enough is enough and move on from a player who’s becoming more of a distraction than he’s yet shown to be worth. And with the way Coleman has not shown up, it would be justifiable for the Vols to move on.

The talent is there, and they believe that. No one would get this kind of deference like Coleman has from Tennessee without believing the payoff on the field would be worth it.

But the question begs to be asked: at what point has this gone too far?

Only Heupel can answer that question. But if he answers it by cutting ties with his talented young defender, at least we know Tennessee won’t be taking much of a bath financially.