Former UNLV quarterback Matthew Sluka’s departure from the Rebels has been attributed to unmet financial promises from the school. Marcus Cromartie, Sluka’s NIL representative from Equity Sports, stated on Wednesday that a UNLV assistant coach verbally assured Sluka a minimum payment of $100,000 for transferring, but this payment was never received.
Cromartie explained that despite multiple attempts to formalize a contract, UNLV’s collective only offered Sluka a contract of $3,000 per month for four months, totaling $88,000 less than initially promised. The only compensation Sluka received was a $3,000 relocation stipend.
In response, Rob Sine, CEO of Blueprint Sports, which oversees UNLV’s NIL collective, denied the existence of a $100,000 agreement, confirming only the $3,000 payment and discussions for future monthly payments. Sine noted that Cromartie was told to discuss NIL opportunities directly with the coaching staff, as he is not a registered agent in Nevada.
Cromartie countered, stating that while the collective did not agree to the $100,000, the coaching staff did. He emphasized that UNLV offensive coordinator Brennan Marion was involved in recruiting Sluka.
UNLV released a statement asserting that they honored all scholarship agreements for Sluka and interpreted Cromartie’s financial demands as a violation of NCAA regulations and Nevada state law, refusing to engage in such activities.
Bob Sluka, Matthew’s father, mentioned that an NIL agreement was established in February, with no requests for adjustments made by them. He noted that communications from the school were vague, leading to frustration.
With no resolution reached, Sluka announced his intention to redshirt in 2024, stating via Twitter, “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’s decision to sit out this season poses a significant challenge for a UNLV team that is currently a candidate for the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff, boasting a 3-0 record, including two wins against Big 12 opponents. By redshirting, Sluka preserves his eligibility for the 2025 season after participating in only three games this year.
