Starting College QB Quits Unbeaten Team, Alleges Promises ‘Were Not Upheld’

The starting quarterback for the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, announced late Tuesday night that he will not play any more games this season for the unbeaten Rebels, alleging that the program did not keep some of its “commitments.”

Matthew Sluka, who helped get UNLV to a 3-0 record and in the conversation for a playoff bid this season, shocked the sports world, writing in a statement posted to X, “I have decided to utilize my redshirt year and will not be playing in any additional games this season.” Sluka, who transferred from Holy Cross last season, did not mention specific promises that he says were not being fulfilled, but reports suggest that he was upset with UNLV over name, image, and likeness (NIL) guarantees that allow student-athletes to be paid by companies and third-party organizations.

“I committed to UNLV based on certain representations that were made to me, which were not upheld after I enrolled,” Sluka added. “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.”

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— Matthew Sluka (@MatthewSluka) September 25, 2024

Later on Tuesday, ESPN college football Senior Writer Adam Rittenberg reported that Sluka’s father said his son’s agent “agreed to an NIL deal with the school back in February, never received payments despite requests and never asked for any adjustments to the original deal.” Sluka’s father added, “We have no idea what the hell happened.”

One of Sluka’s representatives, Marcus Cromartie, said that the quarterback was promised $100,000 if he transferred to UNLV, but none of that money was paid, according to ESPN Senior Writer Pete Thamel. Cromartie alleged that UNLV offered Sluka $3,000 per month for the next four months, which would amount to $88,000 less than what Cromartie said Sluka was initially promised.

Rob Sine, who runs Blueprint Sports — a company that manages UNLV’s collective — said that the collective never agreed to a $100,000 deal with Sluka, Yahoo Sports reported. Sine added that the collective was working on a deal with Sluka that would pay him $3,000 per month before the quarterback announced his decision to quit playing.

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Jake Crain, the host of The Daily Wire’s “Crain & Co.” podcast, said that people should wait for more information before rushing to pin the blame on either Sluka or UNLV.

“The whole Sluka situation sucks but there is a massive difference in: A) Not getting paid what you were promised before the season B) Asking for more money and quitting when you don’t get it. Need to find out which one it is,” Crain wrote.

Sluka’s decision to redshirt after just three games of UNLV’s season allows the senior to keep his final year of eligibility, which means he could play a full season for a team next year. The quarterback was off to a good start in UNLV’s backfield, throwing for 318 yards and six touchdowns while also rushing for 286 yards and one touchdown.

The Rebels defeated a ranked Kansas team in week 3, moving them to their first 3-0 start since the 1984 season. With college football’s expanded playoffs going into effect this season, UNLV was considered a potential dark horse program that could sneak into the new 12-team format.

Sluka’s sudden departure has already affected betting odds on UNLV in their next game against Fresno State. The Rebels were a 4.5-point favorite at the beginning of the week, but now Fresno State is listed as a 1-point favorite, according to ESPN BET.