ESPN host scolds former UNLV quarterback for zero drama: ‘You can’t just leave the team’

The UNLV Rebels had no problems with the Fresno State Bulldogs on Saturday night, days after quarterback Matthew Sluka decided to leave the program following an NIL dispute.

Before the Rebel’s 59-14 win, ESPN broadcaster Rece Davis expressed his opinion on the Sluka situation on “College Gameday.”

“It’s probably true that he was promised something and it wasn’t kept,” Davis said of Awful Annancing. “That’s probably true. It’s obviously true that he didn’t have it in writing.”

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“When you make a stupid mistake in life, when I do it, when Matthew Sluka does it, or whoever, sometimes you have to carry it, man. And to go in there and expect something without writing it, and then they won’t admit it. “You, you can’t just quit the team. Sometimes you have to carry the fastball in your ribs and say, ‘That was my mistake.'”

Sluka announced Wednesday night that he was leaving the team after a 3-0 start, claiming that certain commitments were not fulfilled when he decided to transfer from Holy Cross to UNLV.

“I made a commitment to UNLV based on certain representations made to me that were not confirmed after I enrolled,” Sluka said in a statement posted on X. “Despite discussions, it became clear that these commitments would not be fulfilled in the future. “I wish my teammates the best of luck this season and hope for the program’s continued success.”

Rece Davis on ESPN’s “College Gameday” taking place on January 1, 2024 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. (Kirby Lee-USA Today Sports)

Marcus Cromartie, Sluka’s agent at Equity Sports, and the quarterback’s father, Bob, claim UNLV reneged on its part of a $100,000 verbal NIL offer to transfer Sluka from Holy Cross to UNLV.

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Blueprint Sports and Entertainment, UNLV’s NIL collective, issued a statement denying claims from the Sluka family.

“No formal zero offers were made during Mr. Sluka’s hiring process,” it said in a statement. “In addition, aside from a completed community engagement event over the summer, Friends of UNILV did not complete or agree to any NIL offers while he was part of the team.

“At Blueprint Sports and Friends of UNILV, we take our commitments very seriously. We would like to emphasize that this season we have complied with all Friends of UNILV contracts and have not honored any agreements with Mr. Sluka. Our commitment to supporting Rebel student-athletes remains unwavering and we are committed to maintaining the integrity of our programs.

UNLV Rebels quarterback Matthew Sluka plays against Jayhawks safety OJ Burroughs at Children’s Mercy Park on September 13, 2024 in Kansas City. (Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images)

UNLV also issued a statement on the matter, saying that Sluka had made “financial demands” that it considered a violation of NCAA rules.

“The representative of football player Matthew Sluka made financial demands on the university and its NIL collective in order to continue playing,” the school said. “UNLV Athletics interpreted these demands as a violation of the NCAA pay-for-play rules as well as Nevada state law. UNLV does not engage in such activities or respond to implied threats. UNLV has honored all previously agreed upon agreements.” Scholarships for Matthew Sluka.

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“UNLV has conducted its due diligence and will continue to operate its programs within the framework of NCAA rules and regulations and the laws of the state of Nevada.”

Fox News’ Scott Thompson contributed to this report.

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