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UNLV calls out Matthew Sluka’s ‘pay-for-play’ requests, implied threats in statement
By Andrew Olson
Published:
UNLV says it could not grant Matthew Sluka’s NIL request without violating NCAA pay-for-play rules.
Sluka sent shockwaves through the college football world Wednesday stepping away from UNLV, currently undefeated and in the hunt for a College Football Playoff berth, to preserve eligibility by redshirting. Sluka is expected to eventually enter the transfer portal to continue his college football career elsewhere.
The quarterback claimed that the program made NIL commitments which “were not upheld.”
Per ESPN’s Pete Thamel, an agent for Sluka claims an assistant coach promised a $100,000 NIL deal. Sluka’s family claims says only a $3,000 relocation has been paid.
Blueprint Sports, the operator of UNLV’s NIL collective, said there was no $100,000 NIL deal. Sluka received a $3,000 payment, and Blueprint stated that there were recent discussions of monthly $3,000 payments before Sluka left the team.
UNLV has put out a statement on the matter, calling Sluka’s requests a violation of NCAA pay-for-play rules. The school also made a notable mention of “implied threats.”
“Football player Matthew Sluka’s representative made financial demands upon the University and its NIL collective in order to continue playing,” UNLV said in a statement. “UNLV Athletics interpreted these demands as a violation of the NCAA pay-for-play rules, as well as Nevada state law. UNLV does not engage in such activity, nor does it respond to implied threats. UNLV has honored all previously agreed-upon scholarships for Matthew Sluka.
“UNLV has conducted its due diligence and will continue to operate its programs within the framework of NCAA rules and regulations, as well as Nevada state laws.”
On Wednesday’s SEC teleconference, Kirby Smart warned that there could be more Sluka-like situations without regulations in place.
Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaigns of Fred Taylor and Andruw Jones.
