UNLV quarterback Matthew Sluka announces sudden decision to leave the team

CNN
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The starting quarterback of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas will sit out the rest of the season due to an off-field dispute, he announced on Wednesday.

Matthew Sluka, a senior at UNLV, said he will not be eligible to play this season because “certain assurances” made to him have not been “fulfilled.”

“I have decided to take advantage of my redshirt year and will not play any more games this season,” Sluka posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.

According to the NCAA, a player can sit out a season (if he has played four or fewer games) to gain an additional year of eligibility.

“I chose UNLV because of certain commitments that were made to me, but were not kept 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 2021, college athletes have been allowed to profit from their name, image and likeness (NIL) and receive money from endorsements, sponsorships, social media and other revenue streams.

Sluka’s NIL representative, Marcus Cromartie, told ESPN that Sluka was “verbally promised at least $100,000 by a UNLV assistant coach.” Rob Sine, CEO of Blueprint Sports, which runs UNLV’s NIL collective, denied that claim to Yahoo Sports.

CNN has contacted Cromartie and Sine for comment.

UNLV Athletics issued a statement later Wednesday in response to the alleged agreement.

“Football player Matthew Sluka’s representative made financial demands on the university and its NIL collective in order to continue playing. UNLV Athletics interpreted these demands as a violation of the NCAA’s pay-for-play rules as well as Nevada state law,” the school said.

“UNLV does not participate in such activities nor does it respond to subtle threats. UNLV has honored all previously agreed-upon scholarships for Matthew Sluka.”

The Rebels have removed Sluka from their football team’s online roster.

UNLV has won its first three games of the 2024 season. In the three victories, Sluka has thrown for 318 yards and six touchdowns. Sluka has also rushed for 253 yards and one touchdown.

The Rebels will play at home against Fresno State on Saturday without Sluka.