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UNLV QB leaves, claims ‘commitments’ not met in what could be college football’s first midseason salary dispute
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UNLV QB leaves, claims ‘commitments’ not met in what could be college football’s first midseason salary dispute

UNLV quarterback Matthew Sluka walked off his undefeated football team Tuesday, claiming unspecified “commitments” were made to him in what could be the first salary dispute in the history of the sport.

While college athletes are not paid directly by universities, the NCAA in 2021 opened the door for players to profit from their name, likeness and image (NIL), in deals that can be facilitated by the schools.

Sluka enrolled at UNLV this year after four solid seasons at Holy Cross, which plays at the secondary level of college football. He has a fifth year of eligibility due to the Covid pandemic that ruined much of the 2020 season.

By leaving UNLV (3-0) before playing his fourth game against Las Vegas, Sluka retains his eligibility that year and could play elsewhere in 2025.

“I have decided to take advantage of my redshirt year and will not play any additional games this season,” Sluka wrote on Instagram on Tuesday.

“I committed to UNLV based on certain representations made to me that were not honored after I enrolled. Despite discussions, it became apparent that these commitments would not be honored in the future. I wish my teammates the best of luck this season and hope for the continued success of the program.”

Sluka did not specify which “commitments” were not fulfilled, but an agent representing the player told The Associated Press that his client was promised a $100,000 payment but that it never materialized.

The departure couldn’t have come at a worse time for UNLV, which had won three games to open the season, including a nationally televised win over Kansas on Sept. 13.

UNLV is also at the center of rapid shifts in conference affiliation, with schools playing musical chairs and switching leagues to maximize TV revenue.

The Rebels now play in the Mountain West Conference, which will soon lose Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, San Diego State and Utah State to the rebuilt Pac-12, which was torn apart by the old schools that went to the Big Ten, Big 12 and ACC.

On Saturday afternoon the Rebels play against Fresno State.