So James Comey leaked the contents of his memos to the press in order to prompt a special counsel investigation.
Now why would he do that? Because he was full steam into the Russia/Collusion investigation and many sources at the time were saying the investigation was heating up. After Comey was fired due to not pledging his "loyalty", Comey rightfully assumed Trump would hire a new FBI head that would be “loyal" to Trump…. so cue the special counsel.
Comey also released his memos because just like he said... he knew these docs were going to be needed and used as evidence when this case ultimately goes into the courts.
Comey just confirmed without even saying it outright that there IS something there, there. There is evidence of collusion!