NCAA footballs (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
UNLV quarterback Matthew Sluka is taking some heat for his shocking decision amid the program’s winning start.
While UNLV isn’t ranked in the AP Poll, they’re No. 23 in the AFCA Coaches Poll at the moment, and it’s thought that they could achieve something special this season. However, they will have to do so without their starting quarterback.
Sluka took to social media on Tuesday night to announce he would be sitting out the rest of the season, citing the school’s breaking of promises which were made to him.
“I committed to UNLV based on certain representatives that were made to me, which were not upheld after I enrolled. Despite discussions, it became clear these commitments would not be fulfilled in the future,” he wrote. “I wish my teammates the best of luck this season and hope for the continued success of the program.”
We respect your decision Matthew.
This is the fault of the schools & coaches for making false representations and LIES to get young adults to sign on the dotted line
You fulfilled your end of the bargain but they didn’t. You have every right to hold out
— Blue Bloods Bias (@bluebloodsbias) September 25, 2024
Local FOX 5 reporter Paloma Villicana has since reported that the player is set to transfer as he is being offered more NIL money from another school.
Matthew Sluka Has Left Some Fans Agree, But Others Understand
“Per source, UNLV QB Matthew Sluka has been approached with more money to transfer,” Villicana tweeted on Wednesday morning.
Or…UNLV did not honor their contractual obligation and screwed over their player.
You working for free at your afternoon Starbucks job?
No. You’re not.
— ECU Don ☠️🏴☠️ (@ECUvsTheWorld) September 25, 2024
With the Rebels 3-0 and looking like they could be a playoff team, fans are understandably unhappy.
“This selfish motherf*cker! The season UNLV could have this year and he’s going to bail 3 games in???” one commented. “I pray he doesn’t get his redshirt! I’ve never even heard of poaching another team’s players MIDSEASON! WTF is college athletics turning into???”
He wasn’t approached with more money….he was approached by a school who was willing to give him what UNLV promised him…UNLV thought they could call his bluff & not pay him since he was already playing….Sluka stood on business
— Globalsportsbetting702 (@Globalsportsbe1) September 25, 2024
Others are blaming UNLV for not living up to their end of the deal they made with Matthew Sluka.
“Frustrating, but I don’t agree,” someone wrote. “The university signed into a contract, like any other job.
“They didn’t uphold their end. You’d do the same at a job unless they had a plan to quickly fix it. It’s a business now. He has every right. This is 100% on the university.”
Someone in your corner, telling you this is the move, didn’t do you any favors. Football is still a team sport. Instead of finishing the next two months, and transferring, you decide to quit on them? Not a UNLV fan, but sucks for those kids. No team is going to trust you now
— ChrisMD (@chrisrich316) September 25, 2024
Per source, UNLV QB Matt Sluka has been approached with more money to transfer.
— Paloma Villicana (@PalomaFOX5News) September 25, 2024
— Matthew Sluka (@MatthewSluka) September 25, 2024
While a surprising development, it’s what college football has become with NIL now a major factor. Let’s see how this one plays out.
