UNLV beginning quarterback Matthew Sluka is stepping away from the Rebels program and can redshirt with intentions of getting into the switch portal, he introduced late Tuesday on social media. Sluka attributed the depart to “sure representations” that the varsity made to him when he transferred from Holy Cross this offseason.
“I’ve determined to make the most of my redshirt 12 months and won’t be taking part in in any extra video games this season,” Sluka mentioned. “I dedicated to UNLV based mostly on sure representations that have been made to me, which weren’t upheld after I enrolled. Regardless of discussions, it grew to become 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.”
Blueprint Sports activities — the corporate that handles UNLV’s NIL collective — responded to Sluka’s assertion, claiming no formal financial affords have been made throughout his recruitment course of.
“We wish to deal with the latest developments surrounding Matthew Sluka and his resolution to redshirt for the rest of the 12 months,” the corporate’s assertion learn. “To make clear, there have been no formal NIL affords made throughout Mr. Sluka’s recruitment course of. Moreover, Pals of UNILV didn’t finalize or conform to any NIL affords whereas he was a part of the staff, except for a accomplished neighborhood engagement occasion over the summer time. At Blueprint Sports activities and Pals of UNILV, we take our commitments very critically. We want to emphasize that now we have upheld all Pals of UNILV contracts this season, and haven’t defaulted on any agreements with Mr. Sluka. Our dedication to supporting Insurgent student-athletes stays unwavering, and we’re devoted to sustaining the integrity of our applications.”
UNLV additionally launched a press release Wednesday afternoon, calling calls for from Sluka’s camp a “violation of NCAA pay-for-play guidelines.”
“Soccer participant Matthew Sluka’s consultant made monetary calls for upon the college and its NIL collective in an effort 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 assertion learn. “UNLV doesn’t have interaction in such exercise, nor does it reply to implied threats. UNLV has honored all beforehand agreed-upon scholarships for Matthew Sluka. UNLV has performed its due diligence and can proceed to function its applications inside the framework of NCAA guidelines and laws, in addition to Nevada state legal guidelines.”
The Rebels are off to a 3-0 begin to the 2024 season underneath Sluka’s watch. Within the first three video games, Sluka threw for 318 yards and 6 touchdowns and in addition added one other dynamic as a runner, posting 253 yards speeding and a landing.
UNLV is likely one of the high early contenders to safe the Group of 5 bid to the inaugural 12-team School Soccer Playoff. The Rebels are coming off a powerful 23-20 win over Kansas and have one other Energy 4 win over Houston.
With Sluka out, UNLV will flip to Hajj-Malik Williams or Cameron Friel because the starter for the remainder of the season. Williams transferred on this previous offseason from Campbell, whereas Friel has been with this system since 2021. Friel performed important snaps as a real freshman throughout the 2021 season, finishing 62.4% of his makes an attempt for 1,608 yards and 6 touchdowns. He has solely tried 50 passes within the final three seasons since.
UNLV hosts Fresno State on Saturday in its Mountain West Convention opener.
