Colorado Buffaloes two-way star Travis Hunter weighed in on the drama surrounding former UNLV quarterback Matthew Sluka on Wednesday.
Sluka left the Rebels after a 3-0 begin over monetary commitments that allegedly weren’t met. He determined to take a redshirt yr as an alternative of ending the season on the faculty. He had already transferred to UNLV from Holy Cross.
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Colorado Buffaloes huge receiver Travis Hunter, #12, earlier than the sport towards the Baylor Bears at Folsom Area in Boulder, Colorado, on Sept. 21, 2024. (Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Pictures)
Hunter mentioned on his podcast, “The Travis Hunter Present,” that Sluka needs to be specializing in the draft and never identify, picture and likeness (NIL) offers.
“Buddy, if I am you, I am making an attempt to get to the NFL,” mentioned Hunter, who’s a contender for the Heisman Trophy this yr. “NIL can wait. I do know it occurred to a number of your teammates, however I am on the market ballin’ on that discipline. I would like all the movie I can get. Each piece of little bit of the movie. … It isn’t in regards to the NIL, it is in regards to the NFL.Â
“As a result of I do know if I might have went to go switch someplace else, might have gotten a significant sum of money, nevertheless it ain’t in regards to the cash. It is about attending to the NFL. The NFL going to set you for all times. NIL can solely set you for a second.”
Sluka introduced final week he was leaving the group amid a 3-0 begin, alleging that sure commitments weren’t fulfilled when he determined to switch from Holy Cross to UNLV.
“I dedicated to UNLV based mostly on sure representations that have been made to me, which weren’t upheld after I enrolled,” Sluka mentioned in a press release posted to X.Â
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Colorado Buffaloes huge receiver Travis Hunter, #12, scores a landing towards the UCF Knights through the first quarter at FBC Mortgage Stadium in Orlando, Florida, on Sept. 28, 2024. (Mike Watters-Imagn Pictures)
“Regardless of discussions, it grew to become clear that these commitments wouldn’t be fulfilled sooner or later. I want my teammates the perfect of luck this season and hope for the continued success of this system.”
Marcus Cromartie, Sluka’s agent from Fairness Sports activities, and the quarterback’s father, Bob, declare UNLV didn’t maintain up its finish of a verbal $100,000 NIL provide for Sluka to switch from Holy Cross to UNLV.Â
Blueprint Sports activities and Leisure, UNLV’s NIL collective, issued a assertion denying claims from the Sluka household.Â
“There have been no formal NIL presents made throughout Mr. Sluka’s recruitment course of,” a press release mentioned. “Moreover, Mates of UNILV didn’t finalize or comply with any NIL presents whereas he was a part of the group, apart from a accomplished group engagement occasion over the summer time.
“At Blueprint Sports activities and Mates of UNILV, we take our commitments very significantly. We wish to emphasize that we’ve got upheld all Mates of UNILV contracts this season, and haven’t defaulted on any agreements with Mr. Sluka. Our dedication to supporting Insurgent student-athletes stays unwavering and we’re devoted to sustaining the integrity of our applications.”
UNLV additionally issued a press release on the matter, saying Sluka made “monetary calls for” it thought-about a violation of NCAA guidelines.
UNLV Rebels quarterback Matthew Sluka, #3, runs the ball towards Kansas Jayhawks defensive finish Dean Miller, #45, and cornerback Cobee Bryant, #2, through the first half at Kids’s Mercy Park in Kansas Metropolis, Kansas, on Sept. 13, 2024. (Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Pictures)
“Soccer participant Matthew Sluka’s consultant made monetary calls for upon the College and its NIL collective to be able to proceed enjoying,” the college said. “UNLV Athletics interpreted these calls for as a violation of the NCAA pay-for-play guidelines, in addition to Nevada state regulation. UNLV doesn’t interact in such exercise, nor does it reply to implied threats. UNLV has honored all beforehand agreed-upon scholarships for Matthew Sluka.
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“UNLV has carried out its due diligence and can proceed to function its applications inside the framework of NCAA guidelines and rules, in addition to Nevada state legal guidelines.”
Fox Information’ Scott Thompson contributed to this report.
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