UNLV collective responds to claims of QB Matthew Sluka
The UNLV collective recently responded to claims about quarterback Matthew Sluka and the money he claimed he was supposed to receive in order to come to UNLV. Sluka recently said he intended to redshirt and did not intend to play for the rest of the 2024 season.
According to Rob Sine, the CEO of Blue Print Sports (the group that operates the UNLV collective), the group did not agree to a $100,000 deal with Sluka, which was the minimum amount that was reportedly promised to NIL agent Marcus Cromartie, who represents Sluka.
Instead, Sine says the collective made a payment of $3,000 to Sluka and were discussing monthly payments before Sluka’s sudden decision. Ross Dellenger with Yahoo Sports had the details of Sine’s comments:
Matthew Sluka’s agent, Marcus Cromartie of Equity Sports, first introduced himself via email to UNLV collective officials in late August, Sine says.
Cromartie wrote to officials that he was seeking more NIL opportunities thru the collective for his client.
— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) September 25, 2024
“I committed to UNLV based on certain representations that were made to me, which were not upheld after I enrolled,” Sluka said in his Monday night decision. “Despite discussions, it became clear that these commitments would not be fulfilled in the future.”
It will be interesting to watch how this one plays out, but it seems clear that there was at a minimum, at least some level of miscommunication between Sluka and UNLV as he headed over from Holy Cross.
Sluka has been hit and miss in the undefeated start for the Rebels, completing 43.8% of his passes for 318 yards, 6 touchdowns and 1 interception. He has also rushed for 253 yards and 1 touchdown.
Who has what in writing????
The vague, non-specific language used by both sides makes this sound like a deal worked out at a kindergarten playground.
Exactly—school should produce set of receipts, bills paid, bank deposits, etc.
Player should produce a contract.
And they were still “discussing a payment of $3000” after THREE games into the season?
With those stats he isn’t worth a lot, especially not $100,000. There are probably a hundred QBs that could give you stats like that.
I wonder what his teammates think of him bailing on them in the middle of the season. For some its a business and all about the dough. for others it isnt or isnt as much. When life changing money ($100K to a 18-22 year old can seem life changing) gets in the way it can reverberate through the entire program and create a level of momentum in the wrong direction. NIL has it all. The good, the bad and the ugly.