There’s one way to become the most notorious name in collegiate athletics and Matthew Sluka found the key.
Sluka, who recently transferred to the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, from FCS school Holy Cross, announced that he would be putting on his redshirt, and sit out the rest of the season.
The fresh FBS quarterback decided to let his opportunity to play in the best division of college football loose over a $100,000 dispute.
I’m not saying $100,000 is a minimal amount of money– especially as a college student.
But Sluka didn’t have to worry about his name image and likeness deal paying for his tuition, as the transfer received scholarship money from UNLV, money which the institution is not allowed to withdraw due to the barring of providing pay to play deals to students.
The quarterback’s decision has dominated the talk about football season among sports pundits, players, and fans.
So to add on to the conversation, here’s a take from a college student who’s interest in sports is a little too much for his own good.
Both sides committed a detrimental sin in business, and that is agreeing to unofficial terms.
It’s that simple.
Marcus Cromartie, Sluka’s agent, told ESPN in response to Sluka’s decision that the payment was not fulfilled after the deal was verbalized and hands shook on with Brennan Marrion, the rebel’s offensive coordinator.
Immediately the red flags popped up, as no contracts, nor Barry Odom, UNLV’s head coach, was involved. Odom would later tell ESPN that the offer made to Sluka wasn’t valid because it didn’t go through him.
In spite of that, where my main problem with the situation stems from is attitude, on both sides.
Currently the Rebels are undefeated and rank #1 in the Mountain West Conference. It’s the first time that UNLV’s football program has been ranked in school history.
As the leader of a not just a team, but a family, you can’t abandon your brothers. Especially when you’re the face of a resurging program.
Simultaneously, Sluka has been playing college football since 2020, meaning he had a real opportunity to make a case on why an NFL team should take a chance on him.
Disappointingly, it seems as though the young athlete is willing to put his future on the line for a quick check.
Now, the way in which Sluka has been villainized by the University is a diction in which I highly disagree with.
In a response by UNLV, they said, “We won’t be doing business with the Sluka family again.”
At surface level, the statement seems straightforward. But when adding context, UNLV really just slid some spite under the table.
Sluka shouldn’t have given up on his team.
Yet UNLV had no jurisdiction to mislead the college athlete, even if with a simple handshake with someone who is not the head coach.
There needs to be more organization regarding NIL deals in the NCAA, not only due to the Rebel’s historic season likely being haunted by controversy. But because it’s not right to send a false message to a group that needs unity.
Whether that be a sense of leadership, or business deals.
Sebastian Perez-Navarro is a staff reporter for The Prospector and can be reached at [email protected]
