The still-new NIL phenomenon has created a pay-for-play dynamic in college football. And rightly so, if there’s no pay, there’s no play.

That’s apparently what happened at UNLV, where quarterback Matthew Sluka has opted out of the Rebels, citing his redshirt year as preparation for a 2024 transfer.

“I committed to UNLV based on certain representations that were made to me, which were not maintained after I registered,” Sluka posted on Twitter, via ESPN.com. “Despite discussions, it became clear that these commitments would not be honored going forward. I wish my teammates the best of luck this season and hope for the continued success of the program.”

Sluka transferred from Holy Cross to UNLV, where he once set a Division I quarterback record of 330 yards in a single game.

Although Sluka did not provide details, it appears that he was promised a payment and whoever made the promise failed to deliver, prompting Sluka to close it down.

It’s not the first example of a NIL deal gone wrong. Earlier this year, Georgia quarterback Jaden Rashada sued Florida State and others for $13.85 million for breaching a NIL agreement.

Okay. That has to happen. Promises have to be kept. If it’s a lawsuit, then so be it. If it costs the player to take a stand by sitting down, then so be it.