Date Posted: September 26, 2024, 09:32h.
Last Update: September 26, 2024, 09:32h.
The University of Nevada-Las Vegas (UNLV) declined a $100,000 offer from Circa Resort & Casino to retain quarterback Matthew Sluka at the institution.
Sluka revealed on Wednesday his decision to redshirt the remainder of 2024 and pursue a transfer as UNLV failed to fulfill a promised $100,000 name, image, and likeness (NIL) payment. Sluka’s agent, Marcus Cromartie, informed The Associated Press that an unidentified assistant coach had assured the player of the payment to attract him to transfer to UNLV after his time at Holy Cross in 2023.
Displaying goodwill towards Las Vegas, Circa CEO Derek Stevens, along with Vice President of Operations Mike Palm, determined that offering $100,000 was worthwhile to retain Sluka in a Rebels uniform, as reported by The Las Review-Journal. Palm contacted the university, and although UNLV acknowledged the discussion, it was brief as Sluka had already moved on, according to the publication.
Stevens also oversees D Las Vegas, Golden Gate Hotel & Casino, and Downtown Las Vegas Events Center.
Positive PR Initiative by Circa
While retaining Sluka at UNLV would have been preferable, Stevens’ effort to do so was a strategic move.
UNLV had a strong 3-0 start to the 2024 season, with victories over two Big 12 teams. Before Sluka’s departure, there was optimism that the Rebels could potentially secure a spot in the expanded College Football Playoff (CFP) as the Group of 5 representative.
With the expanded 12-team CFP format, five spots are allocated for the five highest-rated conference champions, ensuring at least one team from outside the Power 4 qualifies. The general consensus is that this team is likely to come from the Mountain West, UNLV’s conference, known for its competitiveness among Group of 5 conferences.
Under Coach Barry Odom, UNLV football has experienced a resurgence, garnering increased local support. Thus, Circa’s attempt to retain Sluka at the school was a prudent move, especially given the high stakes for the ongoing season.
NIL Controversy Unfolds
Some experts view Sluka’s departure from UNLV as a consequence of the NIL era and one of its darker episodes. The NCAA’s approval of athlete compensation three years ago has significantly impacted revenue-generating sports like football and men’s basketball.
NIL funds have been utilized by institutions to attract players from rival schools, contributing to the emergence of a substantial transfer portal in college athletics today. This also underscores the importance of schools and donors honoring their financial commitments to players, a commitment that Sluka claims was not met at UNLV.
“I committed to UNLV based on certain representations that were made to me, which were not upheld after I enrolled,” wrote Sluka. “Despite discussions, it became clear that these commitments would not be fulfilled in the future.”