It changed, and he didn't love it anymore.
He also didn't maximize his money; he was in it for other things before money—and I guarantee you there were other schools that would have paid Nick much, much more for his services.
Nick was not against players getting paid—he was against players who were primarily motivated by getting paid.
It's a subtle distinction, but it's key. One approach is off-putting and seems selfish; the other approach is a pleasure to work with, even if you end up paying that player more.