UNLV quarterback quits, claims his ‘commitments’ were not met in what could be the first in-season salary dispute in college football

UNLV quarterback Matthew Sluka left his undefeated team on Tuesday, citing unfulfilled undisclosed “obligations” to him in what could be the first in-season salary dispute in college football history.

Although college athletes are not paid directly by universities, in 2021 the NCAA opened up the opportunity for players to profit from their name, image and reputation (NIL) through deals that can be brokered by schools.

Sluka enrolled at UNLV this year after playing four solid seasons at Holy Cross, which competes at the secondary level of college football. He has a fifth year of eligibility since the pandemic ruined much of the 2020 season.

By leaving UNLV (3-0) before his fourth game, Sluka retains eligibility for this year and could play elsewhere in 2025.

“I have decided to take advantage of my redshirt year and will not play any more games this season,” Sluka wrote on Instagram on Tuesday.

“I chose UNLV based on certain promises that were made to me, but these were not kept after I enrolled. Despite discussions, it became clear that these promises 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.”

While Sluka did not detail which “commitments” were breached, an agent for the player told the Associated Press that his client was promised a zero payment of $100,000, but that it never happened.

The departure could not have come at a worse time for UNLV, which won three games to open the season, including a nationally televised triumph at Kansas on Sept. 13.

UNLV is also at the center of rapid changes in conference affiliations, with schools making musical chairs and switching leagues to maximize television revenue.

The Rebels now play in the Mountain West Conference, which will soon lose Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, San Diego State and Utah State to the newly formed Pac-12, which was torn apart by the departure of its traditional schools to the Big Ten, Big 12 and ACC.

The Rebels host Fresno State on Saturday afternoon.