Subhi Agrawal
UNLV quarterback Matthew Sluka left his undefeated team on Tuesday, citing unmet “commitments” as the reason for his departure. This incident could mark the first midseason pay dispute in college football history.
Sluka’s Departure Highlights NIL Challenges
Although college athletes do not receive direct payment from universities, the NCAA allowed players to profit from their name, image, and likeness (NIL) in 2021, enabling schools to facilitate such deals.
Sluka joined UNLV this year after a successful four-season stint at Holy Cross, which plays at a lower level of college football. He retains a fifth year of eligibility because the pandemic disrupted much of the 2020 season.
By leaving UNLV (3-0) before participating in his fourth game, Sluka maintains his year of eligibility and could play at another school in 2025.
“I have decided to utilize my redshirt year and will not be playing in any additional games this season,” Sluka wrote on Instagram.
“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,” he added.
Challenging Time For UNLV
Although Sluka did not specify the “commitments” that went unmet, an agent for the player informed The Associated Press that Sluka had been promised a $100,000 NIL payment that was never received.
Sluka’s departure comes at a challenging time for UNLV, which has won its first three games of the season, including a notable victory over Kansas on September 13 that was broadcast nationally.
UNLV is also caught in the midst of rapid conference affiliation changes, as schools are shifting leagues in a game of musical chairs to pursue maximum television revenue.
The Rebels currently compete in the Mountain West Conference, which is set to lose Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, San Diego State, and Utah State to the restructured Pac-12, following the exodus of its traditional schools to the Big Ten, Big 12, and ACC. This Saturday afternoon, the Rebels will host Fresno State.
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