The University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV) Rebels’ promising 2024 college football season has taken a hit just three games in. After an undefeated start with a record of 3-0, the team will now have to navigate the remainder of the season without their starting quarterback, Matthew Sluka, who announced his departure from the program on September 24 due to a dispute regarding a Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) agreement.
In a statement shared on his X account, Sluka expressed his disappointment, saying, “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.”
Sluka, a senior who transferred from Holy Cross, left the Rebels after reports indicated that the university had failed to meet its financial commitments related to an NIL deal. Allegedly, he was promised a minimum of $100,000 as part of this agreement; however, his father informed ESPN that the university postponed payments multiple times. Eventually, last week, the player’s agent was informed that the school would only provide $3,000 for relocation costs instead of the originally agreed amount.
As a result of this situation, Sluka has decided to take a redshirt year to maintain his college eligibility, leaving the Rebels without their top quarterback for the rest of the season.
This event underscores the increasing influence of NIL agreements in collegiate sports, allowing athletes to receive payment for their name, image, and likeness. As such arrangements become more prevalent, disputes over payments may arise more frequently, potentially impacting team lineups and the outcomes of seasons in various sports.