Starting QB Matthew Sluka leaves UNLV, says commitments ‘not upheld’

UNLV beginning quarterback Matthew Sluka introduced late Tuesday night time on social media he won’t play in any extra video games this season.

Sluka, a senior, stated Wednesday he’ll as an alternative use his redshirt 12 months. He spent the primary 4 seasons of his school profession at Holy Cross.

“I dedicated to UNLV primarily based on sure representations that have been made to me, which weren’t upheld after I enrolled,” Sluka posted on X, previously Twitter. “Regardless of discussions, it turned clear that these commitments wouldn’t be fulfilled sooner or later. I want my teammates the very best of luck this season and hope for the continued success of this system.”

Later Wednesday, working again Michael Allen additionally introduced his determination to depart the group, citing unmet “expectations for alternatives.” Allen was additionally in his first 12 months at UNLV.

In interviews with ESPN on Wednesday, Sluka’s consultant and father bought particular, saying UNLV had did not pay promised NIL cash.

Marcus Cromartie of Fairness Sports activities instructed ESPN that Sluka had a verbal dedication for $100,000, promised by an assistant coach, however Sluka by no means obtained any of it. After a number of inquiries, Cromartie stated UNLV and its collective made a proposal of $3,000 month-to-month for 4 months — $88,000 in need of the preliminary settlement, in accordance with the consultant.

Bob Sluka stated his son was instructed when he arrived at UNLV that he can be placed on a cost plan however didn’t obtain pay. The elder Sluka stated Cromartie ultimately was instructed the quarterback would obtain solely $3,000 to cowl the transfer to Nevada, including his residing bills weren’t coated.

“They preserve deferring, ‘We don’t know. You need to wait,’” Bob Sluka instructed ESPN. “Then it was like, ‘We’re going to present him recreation checks.’ So we’re like, ‘OK, nice.’ We didn’t ask for a single greenback [more].”

In an announcement launched Wednesday, UNLV stated Sluka’s “consultant made monetary calls for upon the College and its NIL collective so as to proceed taking part in.”

“UNLV Athletics interpreted these calls for as a violation of the NCAA pay-for-play guidelines, in addition to Nevada state regulation,” the varsity stated. “UNLV doesn’t interact in such exercise, nor does it reply to implied threats. UNLV has honored all beforehand agreed-upon scholarships for Matthew Sluka.”

Allen additionally took to social media to announce his determination to depart the group and redshirt.

“After 3 video games, I’ve determined to make the most of my redshirt &enter the portal on the finish of the season as a RS JR. I’m grateful for UNLV &want them nothing however success. Expectations for alternatives sadly weren’t met &I’m excited to proceed my soccer profession,” Allen stated within the submit.

Allen was UNLV’s fourth-leading rusher, gaining 108 yards on 19 carries. He had been splitting touches with Greg Burrell and Kylin James. Allen transferred in from North Carolina State.

Matthew Sluka accomplished 21 of 48 passes for 318 yards and 6 touchdowns with one interception in three video games this season.

The twin menace additionally had 39 carries for 253 yards and a rating for the Rebels (3-0), who host Fresno State (3-1, 1-0) of their Mountain West Convention opener on Saturday.

Both Hajj-Malik Williams or Cameron Friel will begin at quarterback for UNLV in that recreation.