<body><div><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=1cbGsd_0vjOQFYQ00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1cbGsd_0vjOQFYQ00" width="1320" height="743" >Las Vegas (KSNV) — Shocking news from UNLV's starting quarterback Matthew Sluka, who took to 'X' late Tuesday night to announce that he's leaving the team.In a statement, he says he committed to the team with certain expectations and that "despite discussions, it became clear that these commitments would not be fulfilled in the future."MORE ON NEWS 3 | Pac-12 sues Mountain West over poaching penalty fees in scheduling dealMeanwhile, the Rebels, who are ranked number 23 in the coaches' poll and 3-0 to start the season, are now without their starting quarterback for their Mountain West Conference opener on Saturday at Allegiant Stadium.An offseason transfer from FCS Holy Cross, Sluka had a 43.8% completion rate for 318 yards and six touchdowns in the Rebels' three games. He's also rushed for 253 yards and a touchdown.Sluka's NIL agent Marcus Cromartie told ESPN's Pete Thamel Wednesday that a UNLV assistant coach promised Sluka at least $100,000 for transferring to the school, but none of that money was paid. Instead, he only received a $3,000 re-location stipend for moving.<img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=2ayqYG_0vjOQFYQ00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2ayqYG_0vjOQFYQ00" width="648" height="365" >"In July, there was no NIL payments. There was no $100,000, I guess you could say zero dollars. He was given a $3,000 relocation fee and that was it," Cromartie told The Associated Press. He declined to identify the assistant coach and said UNLV head coach Barry Odom was not involved in the initial discussions.NIL stands for name, image and likeness. The NCAA permits student-athletes to profit from NIL opportunities.Cromartie said after several weeks went by he reached out to first representatives of UNLV's collective and then Odom to discuss ways to pay Sluka the $100,000 he said the player was promised.UNLV's athletics department released a statement accusing Sluka's agent of making "financial demands" of the university and the collective to continue playing:<blockquote>"UNLV Athletics interpreted these demands as a violation of the NCAA pay-for-play rules, as well as Nevada state law," the university said. "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."</blockquote>Rob Sine, CEO of Blueprint Sports, which operates UNLV's NIL collective, denied Cromartie's version of events. Sine told Yahoo Sports' Ross Dellengerthat the collective never agreed to a $100,000 deal. He also said Cromartie is not a registered agent in Nevada and Sluka was advised to discuss his situation with coaches until Cromartie was registered.Blueprint Sports released a statement saying there were no formal NIL offers made during Sluka's recruitment, and they did not finalize or agree to any offers while he was on the team."At Blueprint Sports and Friends of UNILV, we take our commitments very seriously," the statement reads. "We would like to emphasize that we have upheld all Friends of UNILV contracts this season, and have not defaulted on any agreements with Mr. Sluka. Our commitment to supporting Rebel student-athletes remains unwavering, and we are dedicated to maintaining the integrity of our programs."The Associated Press contributed to this report.</div></body>

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Quarterback Matthew Sluka abruptly ends season at UNLV

Las Vegas (KSNV) — Shocking news from UNLV's starting quarterback Matthew Sluka, who took to 'X' late Tuesday night to announce that he's leaving the team. In a statement, he says he committed to the team with certain expectations and that \"despite discussions, it became clear that these commitments would not be fulfilled in the future.\"

Las Vegas (KSNV) — Shocking news from UNLV's starting quarterback Matthew Sluka, who took to 'X' late Tuesday night to announce that he's leaving the team. In a statement, he says he committed to the team with certain expectations and that "despite discussions, it became clear that these commitments would not be fulfilled in the future."