UNLV starting quarterback Matthew Sluka announced on social media Tuesday night that he stepping away from the team in order to retain his final season of eligibility after a dispute with the school over payments for his name, image and likeness.
The Rebels are ranked No. 23 in the US LBM Coaches Poll after Sluka led them to victories in each of their first three games this season, including road defeats of Kansas and Houston. He has thrown for 318 yards and six touchdowns, while also rushing for 253 yards and one score.
The move to redshirt before playing in more than four games allows the senior, who spent the first four seasons of his college career at Holy Cross, to enter the transfer portal and find another school for next year.
‘I committed to UNLV based on certain representations that were made to me, which were not upheld after I enrolled,’ Sluka said in a post on X. ‘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.’
Sluka’s agent, Marcus Cromartie of Equity Sports, told The Associated Press that Sluka was promised $100,000 by a UNLV assistant before transfering to the school and that payment for the use of Sluka’s name, image and likeness was never paid.
UNLV offered its own interpretation of events in a statement Wednesday.
‘Football player Matthew Sluka’s representative made financial demands upon the University and its NIL collective in order to continue playing,’ the statement said. ‘UNLV athletics interpreted these demands as a violation of the NCAA pay-for-play rules, as well as Nevada state law. UNLV does not engage in such activity, nor does it respond to implied threats. UNLV has honored all previously agreed-upon scholarships for Matthew Sluka.’
Sluka was a record-setting dual-threat quarterback during his career at Holy Cross, ranking first in Championship Subdivision career passing efficiency, second in career rushing touchdowns and fifth in career passing touchdowns.
The Rebels will turn to either Hajj-Malik Williams or Cameron Friel at quarterback when they play their Mountain West Conference opener against Fresno State on Saturday.
(This story was updated to include more information.)
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