Quarterback’s Controversial Decision: A Game Changer for College Athletes?

Matthew Sluka, a quarterback at UNLV, has decided to end his season following a dispute over an unpaid $100,000 name, image, and likeness (NIL) agreement. Sluka’s choice could prompt other college athletes to consider leaving their teams mid-season for better opportunities, according to Blake Lawrence, CEO of Opendorse, which works on NIL compensation. By participating in fewer than five games, Sluka can preserve his eligibility for another season in 2025.

Sluka’s agent, Marcus Cromartie, revealed that the assistant coach had promised a $100,000 NIL payment tied to Sluka’s transfer from Holy Cross to UNLV. However, no formal contract was established, and attempts to arrange a payment plan failed. UNLV responded by accusing Cromartie of making threats and financial demands in violation of NCAA rules and Nevada state law.

The situation has arisen amidst the backdrop of the NCAA’s NIL policy changes initiated in July 2021 which allowed college athletes to profit from their fame. While the NCAA prohibits schools from directly compensating players for their performance, it has also led to complicated scenarios like Sluka’s. Even with a signed NIL deal, it wouldn’t have guaranteed he could not leave the team, as performance cannot be legally tied to such agreements.

Michael Lowe, a lawyer specializing in NIL matters, stated that this case could lead athletes to reevaluate their worth and school options. He suggested that athletes without NIL deals might decide to redshirt and enter the transfer portal to seek better financial offers.

Lawrence also pointed out that clearer arrangements between schools and athletes could help ensure enforceability of agreements, reducing reliance on third-party collectives.

Sluka, who performed well in his first three games this season, expressed disappointment that the commitments he relied on were not honored, stating, “I committed to UNLV based on certain representations that were made to me, which were not upheld after I enrolled.”

As an unproven NFL prospect, Sluka’s decision to sit out could allow him to find a more lucrative position within a higher-status program. If he refrains from playing in more than four games, he can take a “redshirt” that won’t count against his eligibility, allowing a potential transfer to a different school where he could play in 2025.

While athletes on scholarships can choose to leave, it ultimately rests with the head coach whether they will continue to receive financial support during their studies. The NCAA’s recent rule changes now allow student-athletes meeting certain criteria to be immediately eligible at their next school, regardless of prior transfers.

Officially, schools cannot use NIL deals as a recruiting incentive, but Lawrence and Lowe acknowledged that such practices do occur. The NCAA has indicated support for athletes profiting from NIL without directly naming Sluka, suggesting that more regulatory measures may be needed to ensure accountability in NIL agreements.

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