UNLV Quarterback Matthew Sluka Steps Away from Team Amid Dispute Over NIL Commitments

The University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) is facing a significant setback as starting quarterback Matthew Sluka has announced he will sit out the remainder of the season due to an off-field dispute. The senior quarterback revealed his decision on Wednesday, stating he would utilize his redshirt year after “certain representations” made to him were not upheld.

“I have decided to utilize my redshirt year and will not be playing in any additional games this season,” Sluka shared on X, formerly known as Twitter. According to NCAA rules, a player can redshirt if they have participated in four or fewer games, allowing them an extra year of eligibility.

In his statement, Sluka expressed his disappointment: “I committed to UNLV based on certain representations that were made to me, which were not upheld after I enrolled. Despite discussions, it became clear that these commitments would not be fulfilled in the future. I wish my teammates the best of luck this season and hope for the continued success of the program.”

Since the NCAA’s 2021 ruling allowing college athletes to profit from their name, image, and likeness (NIL), the landscape of college sports has evolved. Players can now engage in endorsements and other forms of income. However, Sluka’s situation highlights some of the complexities that can arise in these agreements.

Marcus Cromartie, Sluka’s NIL representative, disclosed to ESPN that Sluka was “verbally promised a minimum of $100,000 from a UNLV assistant coach.” This claim was met with a firm denial from Rob Sine, CEO of Blueprint Sports, the organization managing UNLV’s NIL collective. Sine stated, “There were no formal NIL offers made during Mr. Sluka’s recruitment process. Additionally, Friends of UNLV did not finalize or agree to any NIL offers while he was part of the team, aside from a completed community engagement event over the summer.”

In light of these developments, UNLV Athletics released a statement regarding the alleged agreement. They noted, “Football player Matthew Sluka’s representative made financial demands upon the University and its NIL collective in order to continue playing. UNLV Athletics interpreted these demands as a violation of the NCAA pay-for-play rules, as well as Nevada state law.” They emphasized that UNLV does not engage in such practices and confirmed that all previously agreed-upon scholarships for Sluka have been honored.

Following the announcement, the Rebels have removed Sluka from their online roster. He wasn’t alone in his departure; running back Michael Allen also announced his intention to redshirt and enter the transfer portal, citing unmet expectations. “After three games, I have decided to utilize my redshirt and enter the portal at the end of the season as a RS JR. I’m grateful for UNLV and wish them nothing but success,” Allen tweeted on Wednesday.

Allen later clarified his decision on X, stating, “My decision has no ties to NIL agreements. This is due to on-field opportunities. I did not receive a dime from any UNLV collective.” He played in all three games this season, tallying 19 carries for 109 yards.

UNLV indicated that Allen had officially left the program eight days prior to Sluka’s announcement. Despite these setbacks, the Rebels have had a strong start to their 2024 season, winning their first three games. During those games, Sluka threw for 318 yards and six touchdowns while also rushing for 253 yards and one score.

The Rebels are now gearing up to face Fresno State at home this Saturday, but they will do so without both Sluka and Allen. This situation serves as a reminder of the challenges and complexities college athletes face as they navigate their commitments on and off the field, particularly in an evolving NIL landscape. As the team moves forward, the absence of these key players will undoubtedly test their depth and resilience in pursuit of continued success this season.