Former Holy Cross star QB Sluka Sulking

[Go Green]

Refuses to play another down at UNLV because of "misrepresentations."

UNLV's starting QB says he will no longer play over 'representations' that `were not upheld' (yahoo.com) (https://www.yahoo.com/sports/unlvs-starting-qb-says-no-064119975.html)

I can only assume that he was promised $$$ that was not delivered.

[UNHWildcat18]

I think he got what was promised. I also think his agent thinks he should get more and other teams would give him more. He asked for more and was told no by the coach. Now is quitting the team.

On one hand I get the move to hopefully make more money elsewhere.
On the other hand what a ****ing loser.

[bonarae]

Shouuld he be better off going pro after this season? Maybe the CFL?

[Mocs123]

Perhaps he would have been better off to just stay at Holy Cross?

I can imagine this more and more since NIL deals are not directly with the schools - promises will be made during recruiting and not followed through. I guess that's part of what you get when you go from "amateur" to "pro".

[MR. CHICKEN]

33488


.....WITH SUCCESS @ UNLV.......HE HAS SHOWN.....HE CAN PLAY FBS.....SO VALUE IS UP.........SOMEONE WILL SNAG HIM.....'MEMBER.....SOMEONE...THOUGHT COLLEGE PLAYERS......WERE BEIN' USED.........NOW THEY'RE DUH USERS.....SLIME ETAL...........BRAWK!

[Tribe4SF]

Since no one here knows what was offered to Sluka and what was actually delivered it's ludicrous to speculate and flat out wrong to condemn him.

[caribbeanhen]

was surprised he didn't go to JMU with his coach

[Reign of Terrier]

was surprised he didn't go to JMU with his coach
He probably will now, I think

[Chalupa Batman]

Since no one here knows what was offered to Sluka and what was actually delivered it's ludicrous to speculate and flat out wrong to condemn him.

It’s Vegas, so he was probably offered something like:

https://media4.giphy.com/media/cYhhUmbtbneb6/giphy.gif


He probably will now, I think

Doubtful, JMU's current guy is only a sophomore and looks pretty good.

[MR. CHICKEN]

...SLUKA....HAD UNLV ON THE MAP......HIS NEXT TEAM.......WILL BE UH RISE IN STATURE..........AWK!

[Libertine]

Since no one here knows what was offered to Sluka and what was actually delivered it's ludicrous to speculate and flat out wrong to condemn him.

This. College football has always been a business, a fact that is more visible now than ever. We don't know the details of this particular employer/employee agreement but that is exactly what it is.

[NY Crusader 2010]

I think he got what was promised. I also think his agent thinks he should get more and other teams would give him more. He asked for more and was told no by the coach. Now is quitting the team.

On one hand I get the move to hopefully make more money elsewhere.
On the other hand what a ****ing loser.

I'm starting to think this is correct. He "reportedly" walked into Coach Odom's office and demanded 300K. I highly doubt Matt was promised 300K last year when he was a late signee not even guaranteed the starting QB1 role. So, I'm thinking he was trying to up the ante based on current perceived offers. Either that or he was promised a lesser amount (which makes sense given he was NOT the guaranteed starter and didn't play spring) and UNLV NIL collective has stiffed him so far on whatever THAT amount was.

Here is an issue for Matt IMO -- he still only has one year of eligibility left. So, aside from the fact that he has more time to shop offers and can play spring this time around, he doesn't any more leverage than he had last year. I guess he has proven that he can play at a high-G5 level, so he has that going for him.

[FUBeAR]

Since no one here knows what was offered to Sluka and what was actually delivered it's ludicrous to speculate and flat out wrong to condemn him.
This. College football has always been a business, a fact that is more visible now than ever. We don't know the details of this particular employer/employee agreement but that is exactly what it is.
Nah…

College Football has always been a revenue-generating endeavor for Colleges and Universities.

For some, it has been a highly profitable endeavor. For others it has been marginally profitable, break-even, or unprofitable.

This, while scale and visibility may have differed substantially, was more akin to School-owned Dining, Bookstores, and Residential operations.

Players were Student-Athletes who were compensated for their time and effort at a relatively minimal effective rate/hour (just as Dining, Bookstore, and Residential Student Workers have always been), while also benefiting from numerous life-lessons, experiences, and opportunities (just as Dining, Bookstore, and Residential Student Workers have & do) provided via their involvement.

NOW, it IS a business and Players are Professional Athletes, who may (or may not) also be Students. Thus, as Professional Athletes, and in almost all cases, adults, they are rightfully subject to ALL of the slings and arrows (and “condemnation”) that would be similarly directed at a member of the New York Jets or LA Lakers, with or without ‘evidence’ of their shortcomings and/or transgressions.

FUBeAR has long been a proponent of the idea that amateur Student Athletes should NEVER be singled out for public criticism while NEVER reserving that same ‘protection’ for their Professional Coaches.

That protective exemption no longer applies.

[Go Green]

Thanks to the Dartmouth football blog for posting this article with a few more details (or at least "rumors").

It Was Only a Matter of Time: UNLV QB Quits Because His NIL Deal Falls Through - Athlon Sports (https://athlonsports.com/college/ducks-digest/it-was-only-a-matter-of-time-unlv-qb-quits-because-his-nil-deal-falls-through)

Food for thought, indeed.

[Wolffan]

On the one hand the brief FBS stint reinforced his strong QB running ability and toughness on the other the brief stint reinforced his suspect throwing ability.

Reports several months ago were that he was getting very minimal NIL money (he was one of two FCS guys who were going to compete for the starting slot at UNLV so that makes sense). He may have believed he had an unwritten assurance from a UNLV-affiliated NIL source about a boost to his NIL should he become the starter. And when that didn’t happen he bounced.

Not sure how strong the market is for his talents next year or if it’ll be even as strong as last year.

We’ll see.

[DFW HOYA]

Here is an issue for Matt IMO -- he still only has one year of eligibility left. So, aside from the fact that he has more time to shop offers and can play spring this time around, he doesn't any more leverage than he had last year. I guess he has proven that he can play at a high-G5 level, so he has that going for him.

At a glance, this thought: what if this is not NIL, but that a P3 team is interested in him next year and has made it clear he has an offer if he preserves his eligibiity?

[Go Green]

At a glance, this thought: what if this is not NIL, but that a P3 team is interested in him next year and has made it clear he has an offer if he preserves his eligibiity?

That's exactly the theory that was posited (without source or evidence) in the Athlon Sports article.

[Chalupa Batman]

I'm starting to think this is correct. He "reportedly" walked into Coach Odom's office and demanded 300K. I highly doubt Matt was promised 300K last year when he was a late signee not even guaranteed the starting QB1 role. So, I'm thinking he was trying to up the ante based on current perceived offers. Either that or he was promised a lesser amount (which makes sense given he was NOT the guaranteed starter and didn't play spring) and UNLV NIL collective has stiffed him so far on whatever THAT amount was.

Here is an issue for Matt IMO -- he still only has one year of eligibility left. So, aside from the fact that he has more time to shop offers and can play spring this time around, he doesn't any more leverage than he had last year. I guess he has proven that he can play at a high-G5 level, so he has that going for him.

Has he? He has yet to complete 50% of his passes in any game this year, and has thrown for over 100 yards once in 3 games (161 against FCS Utah Tech). He does have a nice 6:1 TD to interception ratio and he is still a great runner, 253 yards at 6.5 ypc through 3 games. Overall not terrible but not all that great either.

[Libertine]

More information put out from the QB's family via Pete Thamel.

They claim he was offered $100k by a UNLV assistant to transfer but never received it, and that the school is now offering $3k/month for four months instead, which is obviously not comparable.

https://footballscoop.com/news/details-pouring-in-on-unlv-quarterbacks-decision-to-redshirt-after-undefeated-start

[Franks Tanks]

Reports now indicate that he received what was promised from UNLV, but walked into Odom’s office to demand 300k as he thought his value had risen.

How many G5 QB’s are making that kind of coin? UNLV is still a historically awful program that had among the worst facilities in FBS before they started borrowing the Raiders facility. I don’t think the Rebels have that kind of money, and Matt overplayed his hand big time.

I don’t think anyone will touch him now. Yes, he’s a winner and a great runner, but is an extremely below average passer.

I was not expecting a former PL player to become the poster child for NIL here.

[NY Crusader 2010]

More information put out from the QB's family via Pete Thamel.

They claim he was offered $100k by a UNLV assistant to transfer but never received it, and that the school is now offering $3k/month for four months instead, which is obviously not comparable.

https://footballscoop.com/news/details-pouring-in-on-unlv-quarterbacks-decision-to-redshirt-after-undefeated-start

Just saw this tweet. So it now appears the claim that he stormed into Odom's office and "demanded 300K" is likely fake news.

[Franks Tanks]

Just saw this tweet. So it now appears the claim that he stormed into Odom's office and "demanded 300K" is likely fake news.

It appears that way, and I take back my recent post. I tend to believe Sluka, but we’ll see what UNLV says in this matter or if anyone can produce a written agreement.

[Redbird 4th & short]

3-0 UNLV hasn't really played anyone yet ... computer rankings are Massey #45, Sagarin #48, Massey Composite #36. They are running way more than they are throwing. He leads them in rushing, but his throwing stats are not good at all, despite not really playing anyone. Averaging 16 passes per game may not be what he wanted or was told .. but his completion rate is anemic, even though his TD to Pick ratio is solid. So maybe its money, and play calling not being what he expected .. nor his passing performance to date. The latter item may have been tipping point. Quitting mid season not a good look.

Passing



#
Player
GP
Rating
COMP
ATT
INT
%
YDS
TD
Long
AVG/G


3
Sluka, Matthew
3
136.48
21
48
1
43.75 %
318
6
55
106.00



Rushing



#
Player
GP
ATT
Gain
Loss
Net
AVG
TD
Long
AVG/G


3
Sluka, Matthew
3
39
286
33
253
6.5
1
46
84.33


5
Burrell, Greg
3
20
126
0
126
6.3
1
42
42.00


20
James, Kylin
3
19
117
3
114
6.0
1
38
38.00


26
Allen, Michael
3
19
109
1
108
5.7
0
36
36.00


6
Williams, Hajj-Malik
2
10
88
0
88
8.8
0
18
44.00


22
Green, Devin
2
10
75
0
75
7.5
1
38
37.50


9
Thomas, Jai'Den
3
18
71
6
65
3.6
1
27
21.67

[MSUBobcat]

More information put out from the QB's family via Pete Thamel.

They claim he was offered $100k by a UNLV assistant to transfer but never received it, and that the school is now offering $3k/month for four months instead, which is obviously not comparable.

https://footballscoop.com/news/details-pouring-in-on-unlv-quarterbacks-decision-to-redshirt-after-undefeated-start

I feel like we are glossing over the obvious fact that UNLV itself cannot pay a student ANY money, unless something changed that I'm not aware of. If he's going off of a verbal agreement with someone with zero authority to offer him 1 red cent, that's on him, his family and his NIL agent for not knowing the money has to come from a NIL collective and probably should do like anyone in a contract negotiation... get it in writing.

[POD Knows]

I feel like we are glossing over the obvious fact that UNLV itself cannot pay a student ANY money, unless something changed that I'm not aware of. If he's going off of a verbal agreement with someone with zero authority to offer him 1 red cent, that's on him, his family and his NIL agent for not knowing the money has to come from a NIL collective and probably should do like anyone in a contract negotiation... get it in writing.
Yea. Isn’t it illegally (who the hell knows anymore) for someone on the actual UNLV staff to offer any money.

[NY Crusader 2010]

Yea. Isn’t it illegally (who the hell knows anymore) for someone on the actual UNLV staff to offer any money.

It COULD be an NCAA violation (if proven). More importantly, I don't think Sluka has any leg to stand on legally as far taking action to sue. Because it's not the role of the school to make sure the check gets cut. The university's role is to facilitate NIL deals by matching athletes with collectives. What happens after that is not the school's responsibility.

[NY Crusader 2010]

It appears that way, and I take back my recent post. I tend to believe Sluka, but we’ll see what UNLV says in this matter or if anyone can produce a written agreement.

Only thing we know for sure is a) this is going to get really ugly and b) both sides are likely not telling the complete truth.

Also, this really could hurt Matt next year. A lot of FBS schools aren't going to want to deal with the "Curt Flood of college football" to sign a one-year rental at QB.

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

This made me think of this. If nothing else, UNLV is not foreign to shady dealings...

https://news3lv.com/resources/media/76488029-4960-4018-8c85-d2ecb25f98f8-large16x9_HotTubPhotoMay201990Copy.jpg?14641239555 95

[MSUBobcat]

It COULD be an NCAA violation (if proven). More importantly, I don't think Sluka has any leg to stand on legally as far taking action to sue. Because it's not the role of the school to make sure the check gets cut. The university's role is to facilitate NIL deals by matching athletes with collectives. What happens after that is not the school's responsibility.

You would think so, and I agree 100% given it is against NCAA rules to pay students in the first place, but it's not stopping Jaden Rashada and his lawyer from trying. (https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/georgia-qb-jaden-rashada-sues-florida-coach-billy-napier-among-others-over-botched-13-85m-nil-deal/) I suppose if the school/coaches made promises in violation of NCAA rules they probably could be held liable for "fraudulent misrepresentation... " as mentioned in the lawsuit.

[Franks Tanks]

Only thing we know for sure is a) this is going to get really ugly and b) both sides are likely not telling the complete truth.

Also, this really could hurt Matt next year. A lot of FBS schools aren't going to want to deal with the "Curt Flood of college football" to sign a one-year rental at QB.

Agree, UNLV will need to be careful not to self incriminate. Although whatever NIL back channeling they’re doing I’m sure pales in comparison to everyone else. But, it would be on brand for the NCAA to find a way to punish UNLV, while FSU, A&M and everyone else are doing gods knows what.

Agree that Sluka likely ended his college career, or at least anyone giving him NIL money moving forward.

[Outsider1]

Just one more reason I am a fan of play the best where you are at. If you are good enough, you will be seen.

[UNHWildcat18]

well this is turning out to be a mess. I guess I was wrong in thinking he got what he was promised.

Also if he went to UNLV on a verbal note for 100k.... I am sorry but that is just pure stupidity. It's on a legally binding paper, or you are setting yourself up to be exploited.

[DFW HOYA]

Agree that Sluka likely ended his college career, or at least anyone giving him NIL money moving forward.

Disagree. Someone has likely already made him an offer.

[GannonFan]

Agree, UNLV will need to be careful not to self incriminate. Although whatever NIL back channeling they’re doing I’m sure pales in comparison to everyone else. But, it would be on brand for the NCAA to find a way to punish UNLV, while FSU, A&M and everyone else are doing gods knows what.

Agree that Sluka likely ended his college career, or at least anyone giving him NIL money moving forward.

Eh, I don't know about that. Sure, getting something in writing is obviously the way to go, but if what ESPN is reporting is true (UNLV coaches gave him a verbal commit for him to get $100k in NIL and then he got nothing) that will hurt UNLV more than the player. Schools need QB's, and Sluka already showed he can play well enough at the FBS level for teams to need a QB like him. He'll have plenty of offers by schools with more repute than UNLV.

[caribbeanhen]

Thanks to the Dartmouth football blog for posting this article with a few more details (or at least "rumors").

It Was Only a Matter of Time: UNLV QB Quits Because His NIL Deal Falls Through - Athlon Sports (https://athlonsports.com/college/ducks-digest/it-was-only-a-matter-of-time-unlv-qb-quits-because-his-nil-deal-falls-through)

Food for thought, indeed.

but what about his education? he was technically still in college

[ElCid]

but what about his education? he was technically still in college

Surely, you jest.

[JacksFan40]

Don’t know why anyone would get near this guy, UNLV is very much in play for a playoff spot and he ditches them because he wanted more NIL. Pretty pathetic move by him, don’t see NFL teams looking at him very favorably. At least I would hope they don’t.

Something needs to be done about this crap, but the NCAA has zero ability to do anything.

[uofmman1122]

Don’t know why anyone would get near this guy, UNLV is very much in play for a playoff spot and he ditches them because he wanted more NIL. Pretty pathetic move by him, don’t see NFL teams looking at him very favorably. At least I would hope they don’t.

Something needs to be done about this crap, but the NCAA has zero ability to do anything.
It seems to me with what's come out that this is not true. He wanted the NIL deal they promised him.

[caribbeanhen]

Surely, you jest.

you know me to well

[MSUBobcat]

Eh, I don't know about that. Sure, getting something in writing is obviously the way to go, but if what ESPN is reporting is true (UNLV coaches gave him a verbal commit for him to get $100k in NIL and then he got nothing) that will hurt UNLV more than the player. Schools need QB's, and Sluka already showed he can play well enough at the FBS level for teams to need a QB like him. He'll have plenty of offers by schools with more repute than UNLV.

IF UNLV coaches offered him $$$, that is an NCAA violation. Negotiations of NIL money needs to be done between the athlete and the collective, not the school directly. If true... that's his first mistake. Not getting an agreement in writing would be the SECOND, especially since many NIL deals say things like, "you have to appear at my car dealership for 3 sales events" or "you're going to be in 2 commercials". It is often a contract in which, you need to do X and we will give you Y. Because the NIL boosters want the recruit to choose them over a different school, the duties required are typically not the fair market value of using the athlete's public image.

[MR. CHICKEN]

.......CARTY...GRAB HIM.....B/4 KEELER DOES........HOOK 'UM UP WHIFF....PORTER CHEVROLET.......GORE FAMILY.....DUH DELAWARE........UNCLAIMED DUCATS ACCOUNT...........BRAWK!

[JacksFan40]

It seems to me with what's come out that this is not true. He wanted the NIL deal they promised him.
Well if that’s the case I suppose he has a valid grievance. Still don’t like this whole NIL thing.

[MUHAWKS]

I am shocked at the 100k number- Even though he is not a "pure" QB and average passer at BEST- his style is valuable to teams with offenses that can make that work- 100k compared to what others have been offered or gotten is low- Tony Muskett from MU got more to go to UVA and he does not even start anymore-- Many WR's got 150-300k to go from FCS to FBS-

One issue is- Sluka is not an NFL QB- Maybe a Tight end or something else but not a QB- this may be his only chance to get paid before he goes and works i the real world.

[MSUBobcat]

It seems to me with what's come out that this is not true. He wanted the NIL deal they promised him.

Negotiating with someone with no authority to promise anything....... (at least not without rule violations; I'm not ignorant to the fact that many shady backroom deals are done). Sluka should have known that the promise needed to come from the NIL collective. It's a bad look for UNLV, if they did make a promise that they shouldn't have, but still on Sluka for not negotiating with the NIL that would actually be PAYING him.

[uofmman1122]

Well if that’s the case I suppose he has a valid grievance. Still don’t like this whole NIL thing.
I like it in theory--the kids who generate the billions and billions of dollars of revenue in college sports should be bale to get a slice of it, in my opinion--I just don't think it's working like it should ​in practice.

[Reign of Terrier]

Just as a side note, one thing is lost on a lot of these kids asking for more money (not necessarily this kid) is that (having been a young college kids and in his 20s more recently than most here) is a lot of these kids don’t realize how hard it is to make this kind of money - even “just” 100k outside of sports. Outside of your high income industries, most people who make 6 figures don’t do so until they’re well into their 40s or beyond.

[MUHAWKS]

I like it in theory--the kids who generate the billions and billions of dollars of revenue in college sports should be bale to get a slice of it, in my opinion--I just don't think it's working like it should ​in practice.

Right, but that is not NIL, that would be revenue sharing- NIL by the letter of the law was and is NOT pay to play like it is being used. NIL was mostly supposed to be for things like jersey sales, video game stuff, or some restaurant paying the QB for an ad- or at the lower level- a college lacrosse player going home for the Summer and being able to run a camp and make 25k doing so (before this not allowed) using his name.. Sharing Revenue is a different topic obviously only for about 20-40 schools in the entire country and it would be literally 2 sports. I get the tone of what you are sayig but why does nobody talk about "NIL" NOT being pay to play- VERY FEW college athletes would get a REAL letter of the law NIL deal- maybe 50-100? It is pay to play, finances by back channels and some rich folks and the ROI sucks!

[uofmman1122]

Right, but that is not NIL, that would be revenue sharing- NIL by the letter of the law was and is NOT pay to play like it is being used. NIL was mostly supposed to be for things like jersey sales, video game stuff, or some restaurant paying the QB for an ad- or at the lower level- a college lacrosse player going home for the Summer and being able to run a camp and make 25k doing so (before this not allowed) using his name.. Sharing Revenue is a different topic obviously only for about 20-40 schools in the entire country and it would be literally 2 sports. I get the tone of what you are sayig but why does nobody talk about "NIL" NOT being pay to play- VERY FEW college athletes would get a REAL letter of the law NIL deal- maybe 50-100? It is pay to play, finances by back channels and some rich folks and the ROI sucks!
Sorry, I should've clarified. The "revenue" I'm referring to is all of the potential revenue generated by the athlete, including the booster money that would otherwise go to the school and NIL stuff.

But in an even more perfect world, the schools would be revenue sharing with the athletes, as well.

[Go Green]

Don’t know why anyone would get near this guy, UNLV is very much in play for a playoff spot and he ditches them because he wanted more NIL. Pretty pathetic move by him, don’t see NFL teams looking at him very favorably. At least I would hope they don’t.

The Athlon article predicted that it's only a matter of time before a player (or players) threatens to sit out an important game (including the championship) if they aren't given more money on the spot. And if they don't get what they want, then see Florida State's performance in last year's Orange Bowl.


Something needs to be done about this crap, but the NCAA has zero ability to do anything.

The Athlon article said that, too. :)

[MUHAWKS]

Sorry, I should've clarified. The "revenue" I'm referring to is all of the potential revenue generated by the athlete, including the booster money that would otherwise go to the school and NIL stuff.

But in an even more perfect world, the schools would be revenue sharing with the athletes, as well.

should be coming soon- not sure how title 9 and all that stuff affects all this. I have no issue with letter of the law NIL OR even "some" revenue sharing- it needs to be cleaned up..There is a middle ground on all this I feel- or at least something better than we have now.

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

The Athlon article predicted that it's only a matter of time before a player (or players) threatens to sit out an important game (including the championship) if they aren't given more money on the spot. And if they don't get what they want, then see Florida State's performance in last year's Orange Bowl.



The Athlon article said that, too. :)

Pretty much anyone who was able to process the relationship between the evolving college athletic climate (especially at the highest level) with human's natural behavior associated with direct financial incentivisation knew these outcomes were inevitable. The failure to devise (or adapt) proper policies/parameters is just another reflection of our limitations to prevent failures rooted in blatant ignorance....

[JacksFan40]

I like it in theory--the kids who generate the billions and billions of dollars of revenue in college sports should be bale to get a slice of it, in my opinion--I just don't think it's working like it should ​in practice.
I think it’s great if they’re doing endorsements with Nike, Under Armour, Gatorade etc. it’s not good when it’s just a more complicated way of players being paid directly. Combine that with zero ability for the NCAA to regulate it and you get this absolute mess. College football is becoming a significantly worse version of the NFL.

[NY Crusader 2010]

I am shocked at the 100k number- Even though he is not a "pure" QB and average passer at BEST- his style is valuable to teams with offenses that can make that work- 100k compared to what others have been offered or gotten is low- Tony Muskett from MU got more to go to UVA and he does not even start anymore-- Many WR's got 150-300k to go from FCS to FBS-

One issue is- Sluka is not an NFL QB- Maybe a Tight end or something else but not a QB- this may be his only chance to get paid before he goes and works i the real world.

Sluka was also not guaranteed the starting job by any means, he was a late signee -- UNLV had already signed the transfer who they expected to be their guy (Williams from Campbell). So it seems strange that a collective would promise a guy 100K under those circumstances.

Sluka's NFL hope is to land in a Taysom Hill role. I have a feeling he ends up in Canada where there are only 3 downs -- Sluka's ability to move the sticks at all costs seems like it would be a great fit for the CFL game (2nd down there is like 3rd down here). He definitely has a CHANCE to make it in the NFL but it's a small one. Plus, if he plays college ball next fall, he'll be 25 by the time he starts pro day workouts -- he did a PG year in between high school and Holy Cross. That's old for someone whose biggest asset is his speed.

[Redbird 4th & short]

Sluka was also not guaranteed the starting job by any means, he was a late signee -- UNLV had already signed the transfer who they expected to be their guy (Williams from Campbell). So it seems strange that a collective would promise a guy 100K under those circumstances.

Sluka's NFL hope is to land in a Taysom Hill role. I have a feeling he ends up in Canada where there are only 3 downs -- Sluka's ability to move the sticks at all costs seems like it would be a great fit for the CFL game (2nd down there is like 3rd down here). He definitely has a CHANCE to make it in the NFL but it's a small one. Plus, if he plays college ball next fall, he'll be 25 by the time he starts pro day workouts -- he did a PG year in between high school and Holy Cross. That's old for someone whose biggest asset is his speed.

I don't imagine he has any chance to make it in NFL .. run first QBs never do. And his passing skills aren't even G5 level. Not to mention his judgement is now under a microscope. I think he partly panicked as he saw his numbers, combined with whatever misinterpretation or misunderstanding occurred over money .. and didn't want to burn his last year of eligibility in this UNLV offense.

[MUHAWKS]

Sluka was also not guaranteed the starting job by any means, he was a late signee -- UNLV had already signed the transfer who they expected to be their guy (Williams from Campbell). So it seems strange that a collective would promise a guy 100K under those circumstances.

Sluka's NFL hope is to land in a Taysom Hill role. I have a feeling he ends up in Canada where there are only 3 downs -- Sluka's ability to move the sticks at all costs seems like it would be a great fit for the CFL game (2nd down there is like 3rd down here). He definitely has a CHANCE to make it in the NFL but it's a small one. Plus, if he plays college ball next fall, he'll be 25 by the time he starts pro day workouts -- he did a PG year in between high school and Holy Cross. That's old for someone whose biggest asset is his speed.


good points/info

[MSUBobcat]

should be coming soon- not sure how title 9 and all that stuff affects all this. I have no issue with letter of the law NIL OR even "some" revenue sharing- it needs to be cleaned up..There is a middle ground on all this I feel- or at least something better than we have now.

Title IX, in my non-lawyer mind, should have no affect on NIL money because it can't (or isn't supposed to be) come from the school directly. If private boosters want to pay Johnny Five Star $10M to appear in a commercial or even just to come to his family's Thanksgiving dinner, that's their prerogative. It's basically an employer-employee relationship, as I see it. They are selling their services as an "influencer" xsmiley_wixxlolx

[DFW HOYA]

"According to ESPN's Pete Thamel, who spoke to Sluka's agent Marcus Cromartie of Equity Sports, a UNLV assistant coach promised Sluka a minimum of $100,000 for transferring there. Cromartie told Thamel that none of that was paid. Crucially, the agreement was verbal in nature. NBC Sports' Nichole Auerbach confirmed that nothing was put in writing. Once Sluka enrolled, UNLV made no effort to formalize the contract, eventually offering a contract that was significantly less than what he was promised."

(That was $3K per month for four months.)

https://sports.yahoo.com/unlv-starting-qb-matthew-sluka-to-sit-out-rest-of-2024-season-after-certain-representations-were-not-upheld-after-i-enrolled-111833958.html

[MUHAWKS]

Title IX, in my non-lawyer mind, should have no affect on NIL money because it can't (or isn't supposed to be) come from the school directly. If private boosters want to pay Johnny Five Star $10M to appear in a commercial or even just to come to his family's Thanksgiving dinner, that's their prerogative. It's basically an employer-employee relationship, as I see it. They are selling their services as an "influencer" xsmiley_wixxlolx

yeah not for NIL but for revenue sharing when it starts- The whole NIL/players should be paid etc. etc stuff started with "colleges taking advantage of these poor on full scholarship kids to make millions" and similar- so to me, very ironic that NOW not only that matters but "hey we need to be fair to the women's softball team" who produces ZERO revenue.. Like, which one is it?

read this article it is not long- but the quote to me that is most interesting is:

"Some of the concerns I have is that it's going to be the male athletes getting paid and [the] just-as-committed, just-as-hard-working women athletes, not. That, to me, speaks to the need to make sure we're communicating proactively, that this is being addressed," Cardona said at the time. "

full link below

https://www.espn.com/college-sports/story/_/id/40567726/title-ix-college-athlete-revenue-share-nil

[KnightoftheRedFlash]

was surprised he didn't go to JMU with his coach

The fact he didn't in the first place is telling.

[MSUBobcat]

yeah not for NIL but for revenue sharing when it starts- The whole NIL/players should be paid etc. etc stuff started with "colleges taking advantage of these poor on full scholarship kids to make millions" and similar- so to me, very ironic that NOW not only that matters but "hey we need to be fair to the women's softball team" who produces ZERO revenue.. Like, which one is it?

read this article it is not long- but the quote to me that is most interesting is:

"Some of the concerns I have is that it's going to be the male athletes getting paid and [the] just-as-committed, just-as-hard-working women athletes, not. That, to me, speaks to the need to make sure we're communicating proactively, that this is being addressed," Cardona said at the time. "

full link below

https://www.espn.com/college-sports/story/_/id/40567726/title-ix-college-athlete-revenue-share-nil


Again in my non-lawyer mind, revenue sharing is NOT financial aid (the gov't declined to answer that question), so it would not have to be divvied up equitably. It's right in the name. If your sport makes no money.... there's no revenue to share in. Since so few sports actually turn a profit, I don't see why a sport that is already subsidized, and has been for decades, now gets a cash payout on top of having their team subsidized. If the FB team makes money, they should split their share of the revenue amongst the team (in what manner, I have no idea). Women's BB, same thing. The crew team.... sorry, you only get a free education.

[Gater]

The fact he didn't in the first place is telling.

JMU's returning senior starter threw for 3,657 last year with 35 TD's and 10 INT's. He has 7 TD's and 1 pick this year.

If someone promised me 100k and then gave me 15k (including moving expenses) I'm not sure I would want to listen to a lot of pregame speeches about honor, rowing the boat and whatever else.

[MUHAWKS]

Again in my non-lawyer mind, revenue sharing is NOT financial aid (the gov't declined to answer that question), so it would not have to be divvied up equitably. It's right in the name. If your sport makes no money.... there's no revenue to share in. Since so few sports actually turn a profit, I don't see why a sport that is already subsidized, and has been for decades, now gets a cash payout on top of having their team subsidized. If the FB team makes money, they should split their share of the revenue amongst the team (in what manner, I have no idea). Women's BB, same thing. The crew team.... sorry, you only get a free education.

pretty much agree-- I can tell you however (and you already know this being an MSU guy) there is $$$ that already goes to these non major or female sports FROM money directly gained from Football and Hoops and not just at the FBS level. At Monmouth for example, some pf the basketball guarantee $$ we got and will get (from playing AT high majors) goes directly to these other programs as it is.. I have no skin in the game other than wanting FCS Football to stay sort of fun and for college sports to not become a farm system with everyone getting paid. The latter it seems it is too late.

[Wolffan]

The fact he didn't in the first place is telling. Yes. Chesney needs a guy who can pass (and run). Chesney did bring in a better QB portal prospect instead of Sluka. (Ironically the portal guy is a backup at JMU now.)

[MSUBobcat]

pretty much agree-- I can tell you however (and you already know this being an MSU guy) there is $$$ that already goes to these non major or female sports FROM money directly gained from Football and Hoops and not just at the FBS level. At Monmouth for example, some pf the basketball guarantee $$ we got and will get (from playing AT high majors) goes directly to these other programs as it is.. I have no skin in the game other than wanting FCS Football to stay sort of fun and for college sports to not become a farm system with everyone getting paid. The latter it seems it is too late.

That was my point, that the revenue earning sports ALREADY pay for all the money-suck sports. The fencing team has LOOOOOOOONG been taking a "revenue share" from football. I see no reason MSU's tennis team gets a free education AND a box full of cash just because the football team sells out the stadium. Give them a share of what they bring in... bupkis. I'm okay with Title IX providing equal opportunity for athletics. You want to give 200 men's schollies, then give out 200 women's schollies too. But to get a share of actual DOLLARS earned, when you actually lose money... no, I can't get down with that.

[Chalupa Batman]

JMU's returning senior starter threw for 3,657 last year with 35 TD's and 10 INT's. He has 7 TD's and 1 pick this year.

If someone promised me 100k and then gave me 15k (including moving expenses) I'm not sure I would want to listen to a lot of pregame speeches about honor, rowing the boat and whatever else.

Last years QB, Jordan McCloud, had 35 TD's and 10 INT's for JMU. Then he transferred to Texas State, leaving the Dukes with no incumbent starter.

This years QB, sophomore Alonza Barnett III, has 7 TD's & 1 INT.

[Gater]

Last years QB, Jordan McCloud, had 35 TD's and 10 INT's for JMU. Then he transferred to Texas State, leaving the Dukes with no incumbent starter.

This years QB, sophomore Alonza Barnett III, has 7 TD's & 1 INT.

I really blew that.

[NY Crusader 2010]

Again in my non-lawyer mind, revenue sharing is NOT financial aid (the gov't declined to answer that question), so it would not have to be divvied up equitably. It's right in the name. If your sport makes no money.... there's no revenue to share in. Since so few sports actually turn a profit, I don't see why a sport that is already subsidized, and has been for decades, now gets a cash payout on top of having their team subsidized. If the FB team makes money, they should split their share of the revenue amongst the team (in what manner, I have no idea). Women's BB, same thing. The crew team.... sorry, you only get a free education.

Also, the difference between REVENUE SHARING and PROFIT SHARING must be noted. In a world were all college athletes ultimately unionize, remember unions aren't concerned with whether their employer profits. Revenue sharing would be a much more likely scenario than profit sharing...since any athletic dept. could easily get creative with accounting to ensure that their football team "loses money" every year. Of course, there are many programs that don't profit. I'd actually be surprised if the UNLV football program being discussed here turned a regular profit.

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

There's other UNLV players leaving...

Does anyone have data on other programs? This not an isolated situation since it's "decision time" for everyone who wants to use this "out"....

[ElCid]

Again in my non-lawyer mind, revenue sharing is NOT financial aid (the gov't declined to answer that question), so it would not have to be divvied up equitably. It's right in the name. If your sport makes no money.... there's no revenue to share in. Since so few sports actually turn a profit, I don't see why a sport that is already subsidized, and has been for decades, now gets a cash payout on top of having their team subsidized. If the FB team makes money, they should split their share of the revenue amongst the team (in what manner, I have no idea). Women's BB, same thing. The crew team.... sorry, you only get a free education.

Shouldn't it be profit sharing.
It costs money to equip, train, transport, feed, insure, house, etc, etc, etc a team. Right? If the true, non subsidized costs were used, I'm fairly certain there wouldn't be any profit for any FCS teams, and even none or very little for most FBS, except the very top.

[crusader11]

He probably will now, I think

Little rocky there. Doubt we will see him reunite with Chesney and other coaches.

[NY Crusader 2010]

Little rocky there. Doubt we will see him reunite with Chesney and other coaches.

Agreed, zero shot Sluka ends up at JMU.

[FUBeAR]

Shouldn't it be profit sharing.
It costs money to equip, train, transport, feed, insure, house, etc, etc, etc a team. Right? If the true, non subsidized costs were used, I'm fairly certain there wouldn't be any profit for any FCS teams, and even none or very little for most FBS, except the very top.
Gets interesting to think about… Profit Sharing, alone, doesn’t make sense as the Athletes aren’t really involved in any of the Cost/Expenses decisions.

A modified Chick-fil-A Operator model … % of Top Line + % of Bottom Line might make some sense, but it would still need to be heavily skewed to Top Line…with only enough of the Bottom Line to incentivize Efficiency & Reduction of Waste.

Another interesting thought - IF Collectives don’t ’go away’ under the RevShare model, then donated & above-market-value of NIL ‘services’ provided by Athletes might should be netted out before determining the RevShare ‘pool’ as these funds might have / could be assumed to have otherwise flowed directly to the Athletics Department / Sport.

FUBeAR sees Collectives at RevShare model schools being disbanded though … or at least repurposed to actually facilitating NIL deals rather than raising, pooling, and distributing donor money.

Ugh … sorry you got FUBeAR to even thinking about this stuff. Need to shower now…again.

[Redbird 4th & short]

Gets interesting to think about… Profit Sharing, alone, doesn’t make sense as the Athletes aren’t really involved in any of the Cost/Expenses decisions.

A modified Chick-fil-A Operator model … % of Top Line + % of Bottom Line might make some sense, but it would still need to be heavily skewed to Top Line…with only enough of the Bottom Line to incentivize Efficiency & Reduction of Waste.

Another interesting thought - IF Collectives don’t ’go away’ under the RevShare model, then donated & above-market-value of NIL ‘services’ provided by Athletes might should be netted out before determining the RevShare ‘pool’ as these funds might have / could be assumed to have otherwise flowed directly to the Athletics Department / Sport.

FUBeAR sees Collectives at RevShare model schools being disbanded though … or at least repurposed to actually facilitating NIL deals rather than raising, pooling, and distributing donor money.

Ugh … sorry you got FUBeAR to even thinking about this stuff. Need to shower now…again.

Agreed ... maybe 2% of these FBS players wind up in the NFL. Maybe 5% move the needle in college. But all will come and go, and the programs will continue with little to no disruption. Ive always argued, you could take all these same P5 players and coaches, take them away from the college/campus, and put them in some semi-pro league ... and watch them fail like every other attempt has failed. No more ESPN. No more newspaper headlines. No more primetime TV slots ... it would dissolve into nothing without the school, the campus, and all it's intercollegiate history. The school made all the investments and took all the risks, and did all the work for over a century. Now these kids come along and talk like they are professionals. Again, 98% of these guys will never play professionally. But they were given a tax free full ride for 4 to 5 years (100-200k tax free) with the promise of a degree, and help studying if needed, which will help them get jobs to last a life time. And now that is no longer enough.

[MSUBobcat]

Gets interesting to think about… Profit Sharing, alone, doesn’t make sense as the Athletes aren’t really involved in any of the Cost/Expenses decisions.

A modified Chick-fil-A Operator model … % of Top Line + % of Bottom Line might make some sense, but it would still need to be heavily skewed to Top Line…with only enough of the Bottom Line to incentivize Efficiency & Reduction of Waste.

Another interesting thought - IF Collectives don’t ’go away’ under the RevShare model, then donated & above-market-value of NIL ‘services’ provided by Athletes might should be netted out before determining the RevShare ‘pool’ as these funds might have / could be assumed to have otherwise flowed directly to the Athletics Department / Sport.

FUBeAR sees Collectives at RevShare model schools being disbanded though … or at least repurposed to actually facilitating NIL deals rather than raising, pooling, and distributing donor money.

Ugh … sorry you got FUBeAR to even thinking about this stuff. Need to shower now…again.

Also doesn't really make sense to get a % of the revenue for a program that already loses money. IMO, the free education and all the lifelong benefits that come from said degree IS their "top line" share and if you're on a profit generating team, you get the bonus of getting a little kickback of those profits. Similar to a normal job. My salary is guaranteed, regardless of the company's financial performance. However, if the company is profitable, there is a profit sharing program. I get that they don't have any input in the overall expenses, but neither are most employees, which is basically how the student-athletes are wanting to be treated now. If the tuition isn't enough alone to get you to be on MSU's ski team, you're free to try to find another employer that will offer a better "fringe benefit package".

[caribbeanhen]

Shouldn't it be profit sharing.
It costs money to equip, train, transport, feed, insure, house, etc, etc, etc a team. Right? If the true, non subsidized costs were used, I'm fairly certain there wouldn't be any profit for any FCS teams, and even none or very little for most FBS, except the very top.

shouldn't he be going to class? I mean any college boy worth his salt knows that you have to get these verbal agreements in writing... this is a complete breakdown of our education system

[DFW HOYA]

shouldn't he be going to class? I mean any college boy worth his salt knows that you have to get these verbal agreements in writing... this is a complete breakdown of our education system

He already has a degree.

[caribbeanhen]

He already has a degree.

so you agree with my point about the complete breakdown of our education system I guess xlolx

[DFW HOYA]

so you agree with my point about the complete breakdown of our education system I guess xlolx

Education wise, he's set. What is broken is how some schools have no regard for the rules.

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

Education wise, he's set. What is broken is how some schools have no regard for the rules.

Perhaps, but maybe he genuinely wanted to earn a graduate degree? Having been in an athletic admin related masters program at DePaul with several current/past athletes, I'll go on the record by stating the standards to obtain certain graduate degrees are not universal; especially as it pertains to "the rest of us" who have not played college sports. While I'm sure his HC undergrad degree would have gotten Sluka accepted to better schools, a HC/UNLV combo is still nothing to scoff at. Granted, a HC/BC or HC/Purdue combination would seem more inline with perception/expectation of the individual regardless of their extracurriculars; in this case a highly regarded football player.

[NY Crusader 2010]

While taking grad classes I'm sure was a plus, Sluka's commitment to UNLV was a football decision. He chose the school because he thought he could fit there as a QB1, not because he liked a particular academic program.

[FUBeAR]

Looks like Sluka has been a real TEAM LEADER out there…
https://twitter.com/michaelallen8_/status/1839022017493791160

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

While taking grad classes I'm sure was a plus, Sluka's commitment to UNLV was a football decision. He chose the school because he thought he could fit there as a QB1, not because he liked a particular academic program.

TJ Holl was the first prominent PL player to go the grad transfer route and that was several years ago. He ended up at Louisville, which at the time, caught some by surprise given a perceived "ill fit". I always wondered if he ever earned a degree from The Ville?

[Lehigh Football Nation]

While taking grad classes I'm sure was a plus, Sluka's commitment to UNLV was a football decision. He chose the school because he thought he could fit there as a QB1, not because he liked a particular academic program.

And that is the problem.

[Lehigh Football Nation]

So a big unwritten part of the problem here is one of eligibility vs. degree. Kids have four years of eligibility. Or more like five, because there are redshirts. Or sometimes a kid gets hurt after a few games... and sometimes men in their mid- and late 20s still play and are eligible. In the case of the Patriot League and other schools, the kids work hard and get their degree in three years, and then have a year (or two if they had a COVID year) they can go to grad school and still play football. The grad school loophole was always abused, but now it's become such an epidemic that people forget why structurally the grad school transfer thing was so ill-conceived in the first place.

If the metric is progress towards a four-year undergraduate degree, that is something that is easy to track. Look at grades, classes, GPAs and what have you. There's a common starting point and a clear end point. But when it's grad school and a fall sport, it all breaks down. If you're an NFL prospect, there is little incentive to take classes, do well, or make any progress towards a graduate degree. With NIL inducements it's even more ****ed up of a system - you are literally getting paid inducements from boosters to play football, and going to classes actively reduces your chance of getting them. All the metrics that are used - "academic progress" - basically don't count if you already have an undergraduate degree.

This "secondary market for used college football players" is ripe for abuse, grifters and bad actors - and not just NIL advocates and agents. Schools too are all to happy to allow kids as a "grad transfer" with no plan for a degree or even having them go to class. UNLV had earned a place in history for this, of course, and it a way it is fitting that UNLV - who allowed him as a grad transfer very late in the process, I understand - is at the center of this. A lot of people are saying a situation like this was bound to happen without rules or guardrails (thanks to Brett Kavanaugh's destruction of the NCAA's ability to enforce rules), but under Mark Emmert the grad transfer rule was expanded and liberalized and little to no thought was made about the ramifications for that. That should not be forgotten.

[Pards Rule]

Perhaps he would have been better off to just stay at Holy Cross?

I can imagine this more and more since NIL deals are not directly with the schools - promises will be made during recruiting and not followed through. I guess that's part of what you get when you go from "amateur" to "pro".

Apparently OC said 100K...and HC when questioned by Slukas dad said I didnt promise that!

[Pards Rule]

Is this like a broker telling me as a Real Estate Manager for regional chain Spark Wash, "hey this wash has go to do at least 200K cars a year" but the OC saying "you should definitely be in line for 100K"

[Pards Rule]

This made me think of this. If nothing else, UNLV is not foreign to shady dealings...

https://news3lv.com/resources/media/76488029-4960-4018-8c85-d2ecb25f98f8-large16x9_HotTubPhotoMay201990Copy.jpg?14641239555 95

What was this...is that Randall

[Pards Rule]

Agreed, zero shot Sluka ends up at JMU.


What was/is issue between them?

[Pards Rule]

Wow not even DriveTime would NIL him? A lot of car dealers now are national brands with big ads that really dont need a huckster from a mid level 1A achool to rep them. Aftyer that, what? Chicken chain? Auto wash?

[NY Crusader 2010]

What was/is issue between them?

I have no personal knowledge of an issue between them (others might). However, I always got the impression that Matt wanted to strike out on his own in order to maximize his individual value. He's definitely a "eff the haters" type of guy and I see him wanting to go somewhere to prove himself as opposed to operating under the security blanket of the former HC staff at JMU. He did just what I described at UNLV, minus having proper counsel to secure his financial expectations.

Crazy story -- guy doesn't play spring ball so he can finish out his Holy Cross final semester with his buddies, shows up during the summer, wins the job over an in-house guy AND presumed QB1 transfer, leads team to 3-0 start and first Top 25 ranking ever, then quits.

Also JMU seems to be set at QB...at least for now...until an SEC school poaches their current guy who's a RS-Soph.

[Outsider1]

I have no personal knowledge of an issue between them (others might). However, I always got the impression that Matt wanted to strike out on his own in order to maximize his individual value. He's definitely a "eff the haters" type of guy and I see him wanting to go somewhere to prove himself as opposed to operating under the security blanket of the former HC staff at JMU. He did just what I described at UNLV, minus having proper counsel to secure his financial expectations.

Crazy story -- guy doesn't play spring ball so he can finish out his Holy Cross final semester with his buddies, shows up during the summer, wins the job over an in-house guy AND presumed QB1 transfer, leads team to 3-0 start and first Top 25 ranking ever, then quits.

Also JMU seems to be set at QB...at least for now...until an SEC school poaches their current guy who's a RS-Soph.


And THAT'S the problem...

[NY Crusader 2010]

And THAT'S the problem...

The problem is that he failed to properly leverage himself by having competent representation as far as an agent. The other thing is that, as much as he loved Holy Cross, he should've committed to play spring at UNLV or whatever other suitors he may have had. I am certain that HC would have allowed him to transfer spring credits to be able to graduate and walk. Had he won the job out of spring, then the 100K conversation would've come up months earlier and perhaps he could've gotten the UNLV collective to pay.

[Go Green]

I think the problem is that either UNLV head coach reneged on the $100K offer, or didn't know about it until Sluka (or his Dad) demanded it this season.

I do agree that there are a lot of lessons to be learned here and that steps will be taken in the future to avoid this exact scenario. Getting things on paper would certainly help...

[caribbeanhen]

Looks like Sluka has been a real TEAM LEADER out there…
https://twitter.com/michaelallen8_/status/1839022017493791160

Now post some Sluka video

the guy is a baller and you could see it from day one

It's kind of a shame that a player like Sluka, who I would of always remembered for his talent, will now go down in sports history more like a Curt Flood Andy Messersmith type

[ST_Lawson]

Shouldn't it be profit sharing.
It costs money to equip, train, transport, feed, insure, house, etc, etc, etc a team. Right? If the true, non subsidized costs were used, I'm fairly certain there wouldn't be any profit for any FCS teams, and even none or very little for most FBS, except the very top.

I feel like even the ones that actually do make a profit would find a way to work the system so they wouldn't have to share anything. It's just a matter of how you work the financial books (like how a lot of movies that do really well technically don't earn a profit due to "Hollywood accounting").

[Libertine]

It's kind of a shame that a player like Sluka, who I would of always remembered for his talent, will now go down in sports history more like a Curt Flood Andy Messersmith type

Today, Curt Flood is remembered heroically for fighting Major League Baseball's rigid plantation system and ultimately begetting sports free agency that allows players to capitalize on their profitability. I've literally never heard of Andy Messersmith.

[Outsider1]

The problem is that he failed to properly leverage himself by having competent representation as far as an agent. The other thing is that, as much as he loved Holy Cross, he should've committed to play spring at UNLV or whatever other suitors he may have had. I am certain that HC would have allowed him to transfer spring credits to be able to graduate and walk. Had he won the job out of spring, then the 100K conversation would've come up months earlier and perhaps he could've gotten the UNLV collective to pay.

But now he is just known for leaving a team for himself in the middle of a season, because he is only looking out for himself to begin with. Yes, he should have dealt with the deal better to begin with, but underlying it was his felt need to look out for himself with disregard for the team. He gambled. He is not unique, but that is the problematic culture today and we see more now following suit. He may end up somewhere else, but later, who wants to hire a selfish person who can't think beyond himself? Oh well, I know the NFL is full of the same. Heck, I know the private business world is full of the same. You may see that as overly harsh, but it's the truth.

[Redbird 4th & short]

Looks like Sluka has been a real TEAM LEADER out there…
https://twitter.com/michaelallen8_/status/1839022017493791160

you mean like a clubhouse lawyer ?? the inmates will soon be running the asylum with threats to leave. Forgetting who the FBS coach was earlier this season who said this to his players at a press conference ... "we're getting ready for game on Saturday, please stop coming into my office to renegotiate your deal. It won't happen".

Who knows what happened with Sluka or this next kid. Maybe UNLV was misleading on purpose. Or maybe they just told the kid they would try to get him a better deal, if they could, or if they performed.

But 16 passes a game with a 44% completion rate against a weak schedule aint getting you a raise, nor even a sniff at NFL. I think Sluka was as worried about his weak pass game getting revealed, at a G5 level no less, as he was about his money. And didn't want to burn his last year playing like this.

Especially after the high hopes he had right after he first announced entering the portal. Saw on message board how he had all kinds of interest from P5. But reality set it, and it all fizzled down to UNLV, I assume because he was expecting a bigger school and more money. So he missed spring ball waiting on that better deal. His agent even said, he wants to start over in January and do full offseason with a new team. But 21 of 48 at UNLV isn't going to get a lot of interest.

For perspective, UNLV 2023 QB Jayden Maiava was a RS FR .. dual threat who passed better but didn't run as well as Sluka. He transferred to USC in January to sit behind Hunter Miller (RS JR). Last year, UNLV was passing almost 30 times per game. This year with Sluka, just 16 pass a game. Somebody will offer him .. but unless theyre desperate, it won't by a legit P5 program. All very selfish, but smart given the bed he's made for himself.

[Lehigh Football Nation]

This made me think of this. If nothing else, UNLV is not foreign to shady dealings...

https://news3lv.com/resources/media/76488029-4960-4018-8c85-d2ecb25f98f8-large16x9_HotTubPhotoMay201990Copy.jpg?14641239555 95

I wrote about this in the spring...


When three of five players on Jerry Tarkanian’s UNLV team were photographed in the hot tub of “convicted sports fixer” Richard Perry (https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/?date=19951210&slug=2156913), it should have been a bigger deal. Tarkanian should have been banned from coaching in college as a result, but he wasn’t.

https://www.college-sports-journal.com/i-used-to-watch-the-ncaa-tournament/

The piece was a kind-of "gee, the corruption was there all along, but we kinds just nodded and winked at it, and now here we are" type of piece.

[caribbeanhen]

Today, Curt Flood is remembered heroically for fighting Major League Baseball's rigid plantation system and ultimately begetting sports free agency that allows players to capitalize on their profitability. I've literally never heard of Andy Messersmith.

right, that's why I mentioned Flood as a player who is remembered for off the field homeruns

Andy Messersmith - Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andy_Messersmith)

"Messersmith is most famous for his role in the historic 1975 (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1975_in_baseball) Seitz decision (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seitz_decision) which led to the downfall of Major League Baseball's reserve clause (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reserve_clause) and ushered in the current era of free agency (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Free_agent). It began when Messersmith went to spring training in 1975 and began negotiating his 1975 contract. He asked for a no-trade clause which the Dodgers refused."

[FUBeAR]

I've literally never heard of Andy Messersmith.
He and his cousin, Willy, are the scions of a German aircraft manufacturing dynasty.

[Libertine]

right, that's why I mentioned Flood as a player who is remembered for off the field homeruns

Sorry, I misunderstood. I thought you were referencing him in a negative light.

[ElCid]

I feel like even the ones that actually do make a profit would find a way to work the system so they wouldn't have to share anything. It's just a matter of how you work the financial books (like how a lot of movies that do really well technically don't earn a profit due to "Hollywood accounting").

But they work the books now. I don't think the costs are ever truly reported. I'm just playing devils advocate here because I know there are huge good intangibles of fielding a team. But the cost of all the unique facilities, the scholarships, the staff salaries, the equipment, etc., much of this is probably not "wholly" accounted for when cyphering whether there is a real profit.

Now here is the real rub. Let's say you are non athlete student. Your costs include $XXX in an athletic fee. Your school, because the issue has been pressed by some in the courts, decided to profit share with applicable athletes. And they get say $1000. I'm just making up numbers. Do you really think that non athlete students will put up with this? It's like they are pulling money out of their wallet and handing it out. And just saying that those fees would not be used for paying players is not sufficient. Any organization/business can just reallocate previous budgets to do whatever they want. They can underfund general student activities, requiring higher fees, and increase a revenue sport's budget.

If the path that we are apparently being forced down is followed, students will use the market to determine how their money is spent. They will decide with their feet. It's one thing to support athletics in general. It's a huge difference from forcing students to pay the salaries of other students. If this is the path some people want, then the budget, all costs, need to be completely separated from the school's general budget. Then we would see the true costs and revenue.

[MSUBobcat]

you mean like a clubhouse lawyer ?? the inmates will soon be running the asylum with threats to leave. Forgetting who the FBS coach was earlier this season who said this to his players at a press conference ... "we're getting ready for game on Saturday, please stop coming into my office to renegotiate your deal. It won't happen".

Who knows what happened with Sluka or this next kid. Maybe UNLV was misleading on purpose. Or maybe they just told the kid they would try to get him a better deal, if they could, or if they performed.

But 16 passes a game with a 44% completion rate against a weak schedule aint getting you a raise, nor even a sniff at NFL. I think Sluka was as worried about his weak pass game getting revealed, at a G5 level no less, as he was about his money. And didn't want to burn his last year playing like this.

Especially after the high hopes he had right after he first announced entering the portal. Saw on message board how he had all kinds of interest from P5. But reality set it, and it all fizzled down to UNLV, I assume because he was expecting a bigger school and more money. So he missed spring ball waiting on that better deal. His agent even said, he wants to start over in January and do full offseason with a new team. But 21 of 48 at UNLV isn't going to get a lot of interest.

For perspective, UNLV 2023 QB Jayden Maiava was a RS FR .. dual threat who passed better but didn't run as well as Sluka. He transferred to USC in January to sit behind Hunter Miller (RS JR). Last year, UNLV was passing almost 30 times per game. This year with Sluka, just 16 pass a game. Somebody will offer him .. but unless theyre desperate, it won't by a legit P5 program. All very selfish, but smart given the bed he's made for himself.

This. It's going to take a unique fit for someone to want a run-first, RPO-type QB. He only has 1 year of eligibility so no one is going to completely revamp their offense around his 1 year. Most P4 spend considerable effort to recruit highly ranked WRs. Are you going to waste that talent having them block on the outside for a guy who can't get the ball to them? Admittedly, I don't follow FBS very closely but how many schools are set up to have their QB be their leading rusher?

Edit: Now that I think about it... Tommy is out of eligibility after this season..... xchinscratchxxlolx

[POD Knows]

This. It's going to take a unique fit for someone to want a run-first, RPO-type QB. He only has 1 year of eligibility so no one is going to completely revamp their offense around his 1 year. Most P4 spend considerable effort to recruit highly ranked WRs. Are you going to waste that talent having them block on the outside for a guy who can't get the ball to them? Admittedly, I don't follow FBS very closely but how many schools are set up to have their QB be their leading rusher?

Edit: Now that I think about it... Tommy is out of eligibility after this season..... xchinscratchxxlolxSluka would be a great fit for your offense.

[caribbeanhen]

Sorry, I misunderstood. I thought you were referencing him in a negative light.

No worries, but if you've never heard of Messersmith I must be the guy that is as old as your avatar pic

[MSUBobcat]

Sluka would be a great fit for your offense.

Our collective won't offer him $100k, but he can make a few bucks doing commercials for the Rockin' R bar xlolx

[Go Green]

No worries, but if you've never heard of Messersmith I must be the guy that is as old as your avatar pic

Like Flood, Messersmith was a good player. Made a couple of All-Star teams.

[Libertine]

No worries, but if you've never heard of Messersmith I must be the guy that is as old as your avatar pic

I've had this avatar pic so long it's nearly old enough to vote.

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

Our collective won't offer him $100k, but he can make a few bucks doing commercials for the Rockin' R bar xlolx

Is the Hub still active in Belgrade? I used to be in walking distance to that fine establishment....

[Chalupa Batman]

Sluka would be a great fit for your offense.

And he'd be able to stay healthy the entire season....

[MSUBobcat]

Is the Hub still active in Belgrade? I used to be in walking distance to that fine establishment....

The Hub appears to be permanently closed. I just mentioned the R Bar because they have been using Bobcats in their commercials since NIL became legal, starting with Troy Andersen and then Tommy, Willie, Isaiah, etc. (https://www.instagram.com/p/Ch2QfOCjPNb/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again)

[crusader11]

Sluka's passing stats need a bit of context in the three games at UNLV.

Against Houston, their defense mauled the Cougars for four quarters. So much so with the game largely in hand at halftime, UNLV passed (I think) three times in the second half. He was 6-13 for 71 yards and two TDs against Houston. Stats don't look great, but they may have looked better had UNLV needed to pass more.

Game two, against Utah Tech -- 8-17 for three TDs and 161 yards. This game was over before it began. A 72-14 thrashing. I don't really think there's much to glean here.

Game three, against Kansas -- 7-18 for 86 yards and one TD. This game, more than the other two, exposed Sluka a bit. He missed one two key throws which would have extended drives. That said, UNLV's top receiver, Ricky White, dropped two balls, one of which would have been a big gainer. Receiver never gets dinged for the drop, but the QB always does in the stats.

UNLV's offense also seemed to be predicated on trying to hit the home run ball or grinding things out on the ground.

It's a relatively small sample size in his time at UNLV to claim he's one of the worst passers in FBS. If you look at his body of work at Holy Cross, where he had a completion percentage in the high 50s, I think that this is where he would have ended up at UNLV over the course of a full season.

The national media is just lazily looking at one stat through three games to make the point he's a poor passer. Most on this board who have watched him know that's not the case.

[Lehigh Football Nation]

Sluka's passing stats need a bit of context in the three games at UNLV.

Against Houston, their defense mauled the Cougars for four quarters. So much so with the game largely in hand at halftime, UNLV passed (I think) three times in the second half. He was 6-13 for 71 yards and two TDs against Houston. Stats don't look great, but they may have looked better had UNLV needed to pass more.

Game two, against Utah Tech -- 8-17 for three TDs and 161 yards. This game was over before it began. A 72-14 thrashing. I don't really think there's much to glean here.

Game three, against Kansas -- 7-18 for 86 yards and one TD. This game, more than the other two, exposed Sluka a bit. He missed one two key throws which would have extended drives. That said, UNLV's top receiver, Ricky White, dropped two balls, one of which would have been a big gainer. Receiver never gets dinged for the drop, but the QB always does in the stats.

UNLV's offense also seemed to be predicated on trying to hit the home run ball or grinding things out on the ground.

It's a relatively small sample size in his time at UNLV to claim he's one of the worst passers in FBS. If you look at his body of work at Holy Cross, where he had a completion percentage in the high 50s, I think that this is where he would have ended up at UNLV over the course of a full season.

The national media is just lazily looking at one stat through three games to make the point he's a poor passer. Most on this board who have watched him know that's not the case.

Sluka is Mr. Intangibles. Just recently I compared him to Ricky Santos.

[MSUBobcat]

Sluka's passing stats need a bit of context in the three games at UNLV.

Against Houston, their defense mauled the Cougars for four quarters. So much so with the game largely in hand at halftime, UNLV passed (I think) three times in the second half. He was 6-13 for 71 yards and two TDs against Houston. Stats don't look great, but they may have looked better had UNLV needed to pass more.

Game two, against Utah Tech -- 8-17 for three TDs and 161 yards. This game was over before it began. A 72-14 thrashing. I don't really think there's much to glean here.

Game three, against Kansas -- 7-18 for 86 yards and one TD. This game, more than the other two, exposed Sluka a bit. He missed one two key throws which would have extended drives. That said, UNLV's top receiver, Ricky White, dropped two balls, one of which would have been a big gainer. Receiver never gets dinged for the drop, but the QB always does in the stats.

UNLV's offense also seemed to be predicated on trying to hit the home run ball or grinding things out on the ground.

It's a relatively small sample size in his time at UNLV to claim he's one of the worst passers in FBS. If you look at his body of work at Holy Cross, where he had a completion percentage in the high 50s, I think that this is where he would have ended up at UNLV over the course of a full season.

The national media is just lazily looking at one stat through three games to make the point he's a poor passer. Most on this board who have watched him know that's not the case.

Against Houston, stats may have looked better if UNLV needed to pass more OR... they may have looked worse. Or likely the same. That's why completion %, ypc, ypa are more valuable metrics than passing yards, IMO. It's the "per capita" data equalizer.

Against UTU... under 50% passing against that team?? That's what I glean from that.

And then you say mediocre Kansas exposed him. I'll take your word that the receiver dropped 2 balls, bringing him to 9 of 18 for a smooth 50%.

There's nothing in those first 3 games that indicate he would regress to his HC mean against tougher competition. He's serviceable as a passer. I don't know that there's many teams looking to pay $100k for a running QB that can occasionally get the ball to a wideout, but as I've said, I don't follow FBS that closely anymore so he may fit someone's system.

Here's a comparison to ponder: Sluka's career passing stats at HC, 412 of 706 (58.4%), 5,916 yards (14.36ypc, 8.38ypa) 4:1 TD to INT. MSU's Tommy Mellott: 221 of 357 (61.9%), 2,956 yards (13.38ypc, 8.28ypa) 4:1 TD to INT. Anyone on here think Tommy is a great passer??? He'd fit great in our offense, but we ain't giving him $100k....

[NY Crusader 2010]

Against Houston, stats may have looked better if UNLV needed to pass more OR... they may have looked worse. Or likely the same. That's why completion %, ypc, ypa are more valuable metrics than passing yards, IMO. It's the "per capita" data equalizer.

Against UTU... under 50% passing against that team?? That's what I glean from that.

And then you say mediocre Kansas exposed him. I'll take your word that the receiver dropped 2 balls, bringing him to 9 of 18 for a smooth 50%.

There's nothing in those first 3 games that indicate he would regress to his HC mean against tougher competition. He's serviceable as a passer. I don't know that there's many teams looking to pay $100k for a running QB that can occasionally get the ball to a wideout, but as I've said, I don't follow FBS that closely anymore so he may fit someone's system.

Here's a comparison to ponder: Sluka's career passing stats at HC, 412 of 706 (58.4%), 5,916 yards (14.36ypc, 8.38ypa) 4:1 TD to INT. MSU's Tommy Mellott: 221 of 357 (61.9%), 2,956 yards (13.38ypc, 8.28ypa) 4:1 TD to INT. Anyone on here think Tommy is a great passer??? He'd fit great in our offense, but we ain't giving him $100k....

I love Mellott but Sluka's the better passing QB. There's a reason he has double the yards and attempts.

Here's more to put into perspective -- those out west might not remember or know the name but those in PL circles will recall we had a terrific QB from 2006-2009 named Dominic Randolph who was 1st team all PL three times, won the Golden Helmet Award for best player in New England (which includes BC and UConn) and who was on the Giants' pre-season roster until final cuts in 2010. Sluka has a better passer efficiency rating than Dominic did and a better TD-INT ratio.

[MSUBobcat]

I love Mellott but Sluka's the better passing QB. There's a reason he has double the yards and attempts.

Here's more to put into perspective -- those out west might not remember or know the name but those in PL circles will recall we had a terrific QB from 2006-2009 named Dominic Randolph who was 1st team all PL three times, won the Golden Helmet Award for best player in New England (which includes BC and UConn) and who was on the Giants' pre-season roster until final cuts in 2010. Sluka has a better passer efficiency rating than Dominic did and a better TD-INT ratio.

He has more yards because he has more attempts. He has more attempts because Tommy has been injured for much of his career, along with splitting time last year. Hence why completion %, ypc and ypa evens the stats out. See Chalupa's comment at the top of the page.

[Redbird 4th & short]

Thing about Sluka's numbers after 3 games, UNLV won and passed a lot last year with a RS FR dual threat, who since transferred to USC to sit behind Moss for a year. They were 9-4, scored a lot, and passed a lot. So there was definitely some apprehension in letting Sluka throw it compared to a year ago. Granted, Sluka was the better runner, and last years guy was more pass. But they trusted the guy last year to throw it with leads .. the 2023 offense avg'd just under 30 passes per game. I check the Bryant game, they threw it 6 times in Q4 with a 30 pt lead.

In the Houston game this year, they were only up 14-0 at half and Houston was receiving the kick to start 2nd half. Then in Q3 Sluka threw a pick on a deep ball that was returned 50 yards to midfield. Couple plays later UNLV got a pick 6 to put them up 24-0. It was after that quick sequence around the 7 min mark they stopped throwing.

I don't think there is any question, UNLV throws a lot less than a year ago in all situations .... probably for a reason.

Anyway, Sluka announced he was entering the portal in late Nov last season, And there was a lot of talk about him getting P5 interest ... even announced the 30 schools he got calls from. It never materialized and he missed chance for spring ball waiting for a better deal. Then wound up at UNLV ... a pretty good G5 that threw a lot last year, but lost their QB to portal. Granted, Sluka didn't have the benefit of spring ball to learn the system and win the job. Probably due to unrealistic expectations. His agent even said, he wants to enter Portal now, so he is all set up to transfer for spring ball. Smart, but not a very good look.

Now maybe UNLV did some misleading or even shady stuff ... but shouldn't Sluka's agent have locked that down better ? So I think it's more than a money issue .. I think he didn't like how the pass game was going. He didn't want these numbers to be his legacy in his last season, for whatever his expectations are from here.

[crusader11]

Anyway, Sluka announced he was entering the portal in late Nov last season, And there was a lot of talk about him getting P5 interest ... even announced the 30 schools he got calls from. It never materialized and he missed chance for spring ball waiting for a better deal. Then wound up at UNLV ... a pretty good G5 that threw a lot last year, but lost their QB to portal. Granted, Sluka didn't have the benefit of spring ball to learn the system and win the job. Probably due to unrealistic expectations. His agent even said, he wants to enter Portal now, so he is all set up to transfer for spring ball. Smart, but not a very good look.

Now maybe UNLV did some misleading or even shady stuff ... but shouldn't Sluka's agent have locked that down better ? So I think it's more than a money issue .. I think he didn't like how the pass game was going. He didn't want these numbers to be his legacy in his last season, for whatever his expectations are from here.

A few things --

A lot of people, to no fault of their own, believe that Sluka's interest at the P5 level was exaggerated and he didn't have that many options. Something Sluka wasn't willing to budge on was leaving Holy Cross in the spring and not graduating with his class. UNLV allowed him to do this (well, as it has come to light, they sort of did). Other schools required him to be there for spring ball. Sluka's options became limited due to his own decision of graduating from HC.

Sluka and his family definitely botched this insofar as they didn't get anything in writing. Maybe it's because Holy Cross and the Patriot League is squeaky clean with things like this, but they absolutely should have handled this better and looked out for their personal interests. Brennan Marion saying "Yeah, we'll get you $100K" and taking him at his word isn't good enough.

All that said, I'm of the opinion this is more than money. Him not getting paid is a convenient excuse for both groups to go their separate ways. Something isn't right in the locker room at UNLV with Sluka. I posted the following on the HC board and sharing it here --

It’s starting to come out that things definitely weren’t great in the locker room (coaches and players) with Sluka.

And this kind of makes sense.

Apparently, Brennan Marion wanted HMW as QB1. Barry Odom overruled him.

HMW was there all spring and summer. He built relationships with the team. Apparently he’s pretty involved in the community. He’s regarded as a good leader. Then Sluka comes in and takes the job. Human nature for there to be some tension.

Compound this with Ricky White not getting the ball. He’s pissed off.

When you’ve got a running quarterback, a whole lot of the offense flows right through his arm and legs. Not easy for guys who were used to touching the ball.

For a new guy who’s been in town for all of like four months to now have all eyes on him, this definitely made that locker room tenuous. If you look at what a lot of UNLV players have tweeted out this week, sure seems like none of them will be missing Sluka. A lot probably wanted HMW from the jump.

I’m convinced that the $100K wasn’t the only reason the relationship between Sluka and UNLV soured to this point. As we’ve seen based on this article, UNLV definitely could have found that $100K to make Sluka “whole” if they really wanted to -- https://www.reviewjournal.com/sports/unlv/unlv-football/unlv-rejected-casino-moguls-offer-to-pay-matthew-sluka-100k-3177877/

[FUBeAR]

A few things --

A lot of people, to no fault of their own, believe that Sluka's interest at the P5 level was exaggerated and he didn't have that many options. Something Sluka wasn't willing to budge on was leaving Holy Cross in the spring and not graduating with his class. UNLV allowed him to do this (well, as it has come to light, they sort of did). Other schools required him to be there for spring ball. Sluka's options became limited due to his own decision of graduating from HC.

Sluka and his family definitely botched this insofar as they didn't get anything in writing. Maybe it's because Holy Cross and the Patriot League is squeaky clean with things like this, but they absolutely should have handled this better and looked out for their personal interests. Brennan Marion saying "Yeah, we'll get you $100K" and taking him at his word isn't good enough.

All that said, I'm of the opinion this is more than money. Him not getting paid is a convenient excuse for both groups to go their separate ways. Something isn't right in the locker room at UNLV with Sluka. I posted the following on the HC board and sharing it here --

It’s starting to come out that things definitely weren’t great in the locker room (coaches and players) with Sluka.

And this kind of makes sense.

Apparently, Brennan Marion wanted HMW as QB1. Barry Odom overruled him.

HMW was there all spring and summer. He built relationships with the team. Apparently he’s pretty involved in the community. He’s regarded as a good leader. Then Sluka comes in and takes the job. Human nature for there to be some tension.

Compound this with Ricky White not getting the ball. He’s pissed off.

When you’ve got a running quarterback, a whole lot of the offense flows right through his arm and legs. Not easy for guys who were used to touching the ball.

For a new guy who’s been in town for all of like four months to now have all eyes on him, this definitely made that locker room tenuous. If you look at what a lot of UNLV players have tweeted out this week, sure seems like none of them will be missing Sluka. A lot probably wanted HMW from the jump.

I’m convinced that the $100K wasn’t the only reason the relationship between Sluka and UNLV soured to this point. As we’ve seen based on this article, UNLV definitely could have found that $100K to make Sluka “whole” if they really wanted to -- https://www.reviewjournal.com/sports/unlv/unlv-football/unlv-rejected-casino-moguls-offer-to-pay-matthew-sluka-100k-3177877/

Not really up-to-speed with all of this sleazy sliminess that we used to call College Football, but did feel, based on Cru11’s post, this info is relevant…

“HMW” may be the next Tom Brady, Patrick Mahomes, and Lamar Jackson all rolled up into 1 SuperStar as his (now) UNLV Teammates seem to think, but his legacy in Buies Creek is this …

His Camels Teams went 19-29 with 0 Championships and 0 Playoff bids in his 5 years wearing the Orange & Black. His ONLY winning season (6-5) was his FR year (2019). And his Head Coach (for all intents and purposes) got fired after his final year at Campbell. He may be a great Leader as well, but he sure didn’t lead his former Team, despite having year after year of “Top Recruiting Classes,” to any kind of success, by any measure.

[caribbeanhen]

A few things --

A lot of people, to no fault of their own, believe that Sluka's interest at the P5 level was exaggerated and he didn't have that many options. Something Sluka wasn't willing to budge on was leaving Holy Cross in the spring and not graduating with his class. UNLV allowed him to do this (well, as it has come to light, they sort of did). Other schools required him to be there for spring ball. Sluka's options became limited due to his own decision of graduating from HC.

Sluka and his family definitely botched this insofar as they didn't get anything in writing. Maybe it's because Holy Cross and the Patriot League is squeaky clean with things like this, but they absolutely should have handled this better and looked out for their personal interests. Brennan Marion saying "Yeah, we'll get you $100K" and taking him at his word isn't good enough.

All that said, I'm of the opinion this is more than money. Him not getting paid is a convenient excuse for both groups to go their separate ways. Something isn't right in the locker room at UNLV with Sluka. I posted the following on the HC board and sharing it here --

It’s starting to come out that things definitely weren’t great in the locker room (coaches and players) with Sluka.

And this kind of makes sense.

Apparently, Brennan Marion wanted HMW as QB1. Barry Odom overruled him.

HMW was there all spring and summer. He built relationships with the team. Apparently he’s pretty involved in the community. He’s regarded as a good leader. Then Sluka comes in and takes the job. Human nature for there to be some tension.

Compound this with Ricky White not getting the ball. He’s pissed off.

When you’ve got a running quarterback, a whole lot of the offense flows right through his arm and legs. Not easy for guys who were used to touching the ball.

For a new guy who’s been in town for all of like four months to now have all eyes on him, this definitely made that locker room tenuous. If you look at what a lot of UNLV players have tweeted out this week, sure seems like none of them will be missing Sluka. A lot probably wanted HMW from the jump.

I’m convinced that the $100K wasn’t the only reason the relationship between Sluka and UNLV soured to this point. As we’ve seen based on this article, UNLV definitely could have found that $100K to make Sluka “whole” if they really wanted to -- https://www.reviewjournal.com/sports/unlv/unlv-football/unlv-rejected-casino-moguls-offer-to-pay-matthew-sluka-100k-3177877/

very interesting

those UNLV players that didn't care much for Sluka are getting ready to start losing some games

[Pards Rule]

I think the problem is that either UNLV head coach reneged on the $100K offer, or didn't know about it until Sluka (or his Dad) demanded it this season.

I do agree that there are a lot of lessons to be learned here and that steps will be taken in the future to avoid this exact scenario. Getting things on paper would certainly help...
But they cant guarantee a number because college cant pay for it and the benefactors would have to - how many of them will?

[crusader11]

The UNLV message board is absolutely torching Sluka.

Can't say I won't have a smirk on my face tomorrow evening if they lose at home to Fresno.

[caribbeanhen]

But they cant guarantee a number because college cant pay for it and the benefactors would have to - how many of them will?

will probably be a movie about all of this some day

Sluka should of told Vegas the same thing I hear in NYC every day "cash only" He's probably dealing with a few Goodfella Joe Pesci types

His agent sends out a couple of ball breakers to Vegas to collect the money, think Lloyd Christmas on roids

Goodfellas meet up with Dumb and Dumber for the cash exchange, but something goes wrong and somebody screams say hello to my little friend and a Pachino Scarface type starts shooting everybody up

Yea, I'm going to start writing the script right now

Who plays Sluka?

[FUBeAR]

very interesting

those UNLV players that didn't care much for Sluka are getting ready to start losing some games
If the past portends the future, you are likely correct.

Drilling down a little further on the Willis era & record at Campbell, the reason he has a 6th year is he picked up a Redshirt in 2021 - playing in only 3 games - all losses.

And he missed 2 games in 2022, both losses.

So, the Camels were 3-7 (.300) without him from 2019-2023. HIS record was 16-22 (.421).

That math indicates the ‘win value’ of HMW, over his replacement, was ~1 win/year.

If your Starting QB, over his backup, only gets you from 5-6 to 6-5 or from 3-8 to 4-7, that doesn’t seem like a lot of value to FUBeAR - regardless of how flashy he may have looked or of any statistics he rang up.

Does it to you?

[caribbeanhen]

If the past portends the future, you are likely correct.

Drilling down a little further on the Willis era & record at Campbell, the reason he has a 6th year is he picked up a Redshirt in 2021 - playing in only 3 games - all losses.

And he missed 2 games in 2022, both losses.

So, the Camels were 3-7 (.300) without him from 2019-2023. HIS record was 16-22 (.421).

That math indicates the ‘win value’ of HMW, over his replacement, was ~1 win/year.

If your Starting QB, over his backup, only gets you from 5-6 to 6-5 or from 3-8 to 4-7, that doesn’t seem like a lot of value to FUBeAR - regardless of how flashy he may have looked or of any statistics he rang up.

Does it to you?

The old Campbell QB HMW was always hyped up, after watching him against Delaware last year and old saying comes to mind

Don't believe the hype

And besides, Sluka has always been my boy so to speak... toss the stat sheet and just watch him

[Pards Rule]

OMG the LV Review Journal (LVRJ) states today that Circa Casino has stepped up to pay the 100K...but I think its too late. Matt Sluka must be beside himself

[FUBeAR]

OMG the LV Review Journal (LVRJ) states today that Circa Casino has stepped up to pay the 100K...but I think it’s too late. Matt Sluka must be beside himself
Thought gambling, alcohol, tobacco, and such entities were not eligible / allowed to participate in NIL “deals.”

Maybe there’s a Vegas exemption.

[Pards Rule]

Thought gambling, alcohol, tobacco, and such entities were not eligible / allowed to participate in NIL “deals.”

Maybe there’s a Vegas exemption.

Could be the owner of Circa himself? Would that be allowed. I dont know...could be a LAS carve out by the state?

[NY Crusader 2010]

The UNLV message board is absolutely torching Sluka.

Can't say I won't have a smirk on my face tomorrow evening if they lose at home to Fresno.

Go Bulldogs.

The more I think about it, the more I hope their season completely derails -- I want it to be like Holy Cross 2017 after the UNH game.

The only thing that would've been better is if Sluka had pulled an Antonio Brown before the first offensive snap of tomorrow's game.

[crusader11]

OMG the LV Review Journal (LVRJ) states today that Circa Casino has stepped up to pay the 100K...but I think its too late. Matt Sluka must be beside himself

I actually don’t think he is. No inside info but something was rotten in Vegas.

[FUBeAR]

Could be the owner of Circa himself? Would that be allowed. I dont know...could be a LAS carve out by the state?
FUBeAR left his job as an NCAA Compliance Enforcement Agent several years ago, but, yeah, if a private person lobbed $100k into one of these sham “Collectives” and it was paid out to one of these “Amateur Student Athletes” with no direct tie-in or “services” provided to that private individual’s Sin Business, that would probably skirt the NCAA’s rules … assuming they still have any.

[caribbeanhen]

I actually don’t think he is. No inside info but something was rotten in Vegas.

something was rotten in Vegas

Thats gonna be the name of the movie

[MR. CHICKEN]

33490


.....UH BIG PART UH REBEL'S PROBLEMS....( SO MANY INCOMPLETES)...... IS RICKIE WHITE........AH'VE OWN-LY WATCHED DUH KANSAS GAME.........SO.....HE DROPPED UH COUPLE.......HE WAS DOUBLE-TEAMED...ENTIRE GAME.....BAH DB'S....WHOM ANNOUNCER CALLED NFL QUALITY..........RICKIE WANTS DUH ROCK........SLUKA....KEPT CHUCKIN' HIS WAY....MOST.....PASSES WERE BROKEN UP......GET USED TO IT RICKIE.......EVERAH-ONE KNOWS 'BOUT YA.....BRAWK!

PS.....REBEL SKED'S NOT THAT TOUGH.....BOISE..IS DUH HEADLINER.......PRE-SEASON RANKIN'S....HAD HAWAII/SAN JOSE ST./NEVADA/NEW MEXICO.....#'s 100+......WITH SAN DIEGO ST. @98/UTAH ST 89/FRESNO ST. 81....NO AIR FORCE OR WYOMIN'.....TWO OOC'S LEFT IN SYRACUSE#56 @ HOME......OREGON ST. #76 AWAY...........DOODLE-DOO!

PSS...WHAA DIDN'T AGENT SECURE DUH DEAL........AS HIS COMMISH......WASN'T GUARNTEED EITHER.......DID HE JES' BALL UP...HIS JERSEY MIKE'S APRON....TA BE HIS REP........AWK?

[Pards Rule]

FUBeAR left his job as an NCAA Compliance Enforcement Agent several years ago, but, yeah, if a private person lobbed $100k into one of these sham “Collectives” and it was paid out to one of these “Amateur Student Athletes” with no direct tie-in or “services” provided to that private individual’s Sin Business, that would probably skirt the NCAA’s rules … assuming they still have any.

Agreed!! I mean I would think locals at Circa sportsbook would be betting on UNLV so inures to benefit to Circa owner. Hi FUBeAR we never interacted before.

[Libertine]

Anyone else find it slightly hilarious that the next guy up at QB for UNLV is...<checks notes>... Hajj Malik-Williams, who is ALSO an FCS transfer?

[MUHAWKS]

Anyone else find it slightly hilarious that the next guy up at QB for UNLV is...<checks notes>... Hajj Malik-Williams, who is ALSO an FCS transfer?

I knew this and stated here I actually think he is a better pure QB than sluka (C-hen took my head off for that comment). He is 100% a better passer.. aNyway, the irony i see is that if the starter ever even got paid why williams even went to UNL to begin with. I thought these guys are transferring for $$$.. Certainty Campbell to UNLV was not an NFL move . I wonder if Hajj Malik got paid?

[caribbeanhen]

I knew this and stated here I actually think he is a better pure QB than sluka (C-hen took my head off for that comment). He is 100% a better passer.. aNyway, the irony i see is that if the starter ever even got paid why williams even went to UNL to begin with. I thought these guys are transferring for $$$.. Certainty Campbell to UNLV was not an NFL move . I wonder if Hajj Malik got paid?

we will know the truth soon enough.... I've been known to be wrong from time to time xcoffeex

[FUBeAR]

I knew this and stated here I actually think he is a better pure QB than sluka (C-hen took my head off for that comment). He is 100% a better passer.. aNyway, the irony i see is that if the starter ever even got paid why williams even went to UNL to begin with. I thought these guys are transferring for $$$.. Certainty Campbell to UNLV was not an NFL move . I wonder if Hajj Malik got paid?
Thoughts on Post #125 in this thread, MUH? (Actually, abridged, Cliff Notes, abbreviated, digest of your thoughts…please?)

FUBeAR would rather win games than ‘have’ a “better passer” at QB for his Team.

[MUHAWKS]

Thoughts on Post #125 in this thread, MUH? (Actually, abridged, Cliff Notes, abbreviated, digest of your thoughts…please?)

FUBeAR would rather win games than ‘have’ a “better passer” at QB for his Team.


Well let's see - the defense has let up 41 total points in 3 games--They played freaking Utah tech in a game. Based on the way The D played against Houston and Kansas, I would say a lot of QB's could have won those games. I have always said Sluka is a sick athlete and absurd runner. He just is not a real QB and limits what an offense can do. we will never really know how Sluka would have finished out this year. I would agree I would rather win games than have a better pure passer if those were my two options, BUt MUHAWKS thinks that comparing wins at Campbell to anything is absurd. But MUHAWKS is a champion of free speech and thought and welcomes all opinions. I guess we would have needed to see Sluka/UNLV down 24-3 to see if what I say is true- b/c at some point you need to throw the ball- Because of the UNLV defense he did not really have to and when he did, it did not look good.

[Lehigh Football Nation]

UNLV might not win another game this year. That locker room might resemble the nuclear lab from Stranger Things this week.

I think about the only thing that is happening with all of this Sluka stuff is that everybody is learning the wrong lesson from this. The only correct conclusion to draw is "if you have a model where a casino operator has to pay six figures to induce a student-athlete to stay in school to pretend to go get his grad degree, maybe it's time to look in the mirror and try to get this professionalism bull**** out of the sport forever".

[Go...gate]

He threw away a great education.

[FUBeAR]

UNLV might not win another game this year. That locker room might resemble the nuclear lab from Stranger Things this week.

I think about the only thing that is happening with all of this Sluka stuff is that everybody is learning the wrong lesson from this. The only correct conclusion to draw is "if you have a model where a casino operator has to pay six figures to induce a student-athlete to stay in school to pretend to go get his grad degree, maybe it's time to look in the mirror and try to get this professionalism bull**** out of the sport forever".
OR…

Completely drop the pretense.

These are Professional Teams that only REPRESENT the Schools whose colors and logo’s they wear.

For example, in 1990, FUBeAR was a Corporate Employee (Logistics/Supply Chain Management) of Domino’s Pizza.

Well, we Dominoids were fanatics for Professional Race Driver, Arie Luyendyk. We got together for watch parties when he raced. We checked the news to see how he did every week. We talked about his races ‘around the water cooler.’ We had replicas of Arie and his car on our office desks and similar toys which our kids loved. When he won the Indy 500, we were over the moon and took huge pride and experienced joy over his victory. It was OUR victory.

None of us knew Arie. Arie didn’t work for Domino’s Pizza. He never experienced the thrill of a successful “make, bake, and take.” We didn’t expect him to be sitting in our Staff Meetings.

The only thing we really knew about Arie was this…

https://digbza2f4g9qo.cloudfront.net/-/media/IndyCar/News/Other/2015/05/05-12-Luyendyk-Recalls-1990-Indy-500-530Bottom.jpg?h=400&w=530&vs=1&d=20150509T141238Z

He wore our Team Colors and Logos and represented our “Team” in front of millions every weekend of the season. And he was a Champion!

EXACTLY the same situation with today’s College Football. The Players don’t need to have anything to do with the school. Just wear the right colored laundry. That’s all Fans & Alumni need.


Or…we could have College Football again.

[caribbeanhen]

Agreed, zero shot Sluka ends up at JMU.

Well Cheney was pretty loyal to Holy Cross while Sluka was there if you get my drift

[Pards Rule]

OR…

Completely drop the pretense.

These are Professional Teams that only REPRESENT the Schools whose colors and logo’s they wear.

For example, in 1990, FUBeAR was a Corporate Employee (Logistics/Supply Chain Management) of Domino’s Pizza.

Well, we Dominoids were fanatics for Professional Race Driver, Arie Luyendyk. We got together for watch parties when he raced. We checked the news to see how he did every week. We talked about his races ‘around the water cooler.’ We had replicas of Arie and his car on our office desks and similar toys which our kids loved. When he won the Indy 500, we were over the moon and took huge pride and experienced joy over his victory. It was OUR victory.

None of us knew Arie. Arie didn’t work for Domino’s Pizza. We didn’t expect him to be sitting in our Staff Meetings.

The only thing we really knew about Arie was this…

https://digbza2f4g9qo.cloudfront.net/-/media/IndyCar/News/Other/2015/05/05-12-Luyendyk-Recalls-1990-Indy-500-530Bottom.jpg?h=400&w=530&vs=1&d=20150509T141238Z

He wore our Team Colors and Logos and represented our “Team” in front of millions every weekend of the season. And he was a Champion!

EXACTLY the same situation with today’s College Football. The Players don’t need to have anything to do with the school. Just wear the right colored laundry. That’s all Fans & Alumni need.


Or…we could have College Football again.

I was flown out to Ann Arbor in April 2012 to interview for a real estate manager post with Domino's. One of the three interviewers that morning was being featured on national TV in Domino's ads at that time, Brandon Solano. Anyways didnt get the job. Prob good as Dominos seems to have sloughed off in the last 10 years in terms of store openings and brand engagement.

[FUBeAR]

will probably be a movie about all of this some day

Sluka should of told Vegas the same thing I hear in NYC every day "cash only" He's probably dealing with a few Goodfella Joe Pesci types

His agent sends out a couple of ball breakers to Vegas to collect the money, think Lloyd Christmas on roids

Goodfellas meet up with Dumb and Dumber for the cash exchange, but something goes wrong and somebody screams say hello to my little friend and a Pachino Scarface type starts shooting everybody up

Yea, I'm going to start writing the script right now

Who plays Sluka?
Matthew Modine - won’t even need to learn his screen name.
https://cms-b-assets.familysearch.org/dims4/default/3d3e85e/2147483647/strip/true/crop/541x700+0+0/resize/1082x1400!/format/webp/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Ffamilysearch-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fa2%2F16%2Fbcf570b04f acad24ea9b38eeb5b8%2Fmatthew-modine-young.jpg

https://i0.wp.com/www.bostonherald.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Matt-Sluka-head-shot.jpg?fit=620%2C9999px&ssl=1

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

OR…

Completely drop the pretense.

These are Professional Teams that only REPRESENT the Schools whose colors and logo’s they wear.

For example, in 1990, FUBeAR was a Corporate Employee (Logistics/Supply Chain Management) of Domino’s Pizza.

Well, we Dominoids were fanatics for Professional Race Driver, Arie Luyendyk. We got together for watch parties when he raced. We checked the news to see how he did every week. We talked about his races ‘around the water cooler.’ We had replicas of Arie and his car on our office desks and similar toys which our kids loved. When he won the Indy 500, we were over the moon and took huge pride and experienced joy over his victory. It was OUR victory.

None of us knew Arie. Arie didn’t work for Domino’s Pizza. He never experienced the thrill of a successful “make, bake, and take.” We didn’t expect him to be sitting in our Staff Meetings.

The only thing we really knew about Arie was this…

https://digbza2f4g9qo.cloudfront.net/-/media/IndyCar/News/Other/2015/05/05-12-Luyendyk-Recalls-1990-Indy-500-530Bottom.jpg?h=400&w=530&vs=1&d=20150509T141238Z

He wore our Team Colors and Logos and represented our “Team” in front of millions every weekend of the season. And he was a Champion!

EXACTLY the same situation with today’s College Football. The Players don’t need to have anything to do with the school. Just wear the right colored laundry. That’s all Fans & Alumni need.


Or…we could have College Football again.

Remains the fastest Indy 500 ever! I got to see Luyendyk win at Nazareth in 1991 when he was driving for Granatelli Racing. The "Flying Dutchman"!

The driver/sponsor relationships were real back then! I remember my dad, who was a huge Bill Elliott fan, going to great lengths to find Coors/Coors Light in the mid to late 1980s when I was a kid.

[caribbeanhen]

Matthew Modine - won’t even need to learn his screen name.
https://cms-b-assets.familysearch.org/dims4/default/3d3e85e/2147483647/strip/true/crop/541x700+0+0/resize/1082x1400!/format/webp/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Ffamilysearch-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fa2%2F16%2Fbcf570b04f acad24ea9b38eeb5b8%2Fmatthew-modine-young.jpg

https://i0.wp.com/www.bostonherald.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Matt-Sluka-head-shot.jpg?fit=620%2C9999px&ssl=1

wow, a dead ringer

[Franks Tanks]

Well, UNLV hung 59 on a solid Fresno State team. Sluka’s former backup looked really good. 189 passing yards and only 3 incompletions, and ran for nearly 120.

Dare I say that UNLV looks energized. They have Syracuse next week and that’s a very interesting game.

[MUHAWKS]

Hajj Malik> Sluka

This is what happens when you have a REAL QB playing (who can also run very well too) but who can actually throw the ball. I am not a Sluka hater- to the contrary- he is a special athlete but would not even be a top 25 passing "pure" QB in FCS. Any defense that actually has to truly defend the pass AND the run AND the QB running will tell you this.. Sluka was/is an exceptional runner, a guy who kept plays alive and made plays that "looked" good - after that- he was and is not even average in terms of what QB's are expected to do.

[KnightoftheRedFlash]

UNLV might not win another game this year. That locker room might resemble the nuclear lab from Stranger Things this week.

I think about the only thing that is happening with all of this Sluka stuff is that everybody is learning the wrong lesson from this. The only correct conclusion to draw is "if you have a model where a casino operator has to pay six figures to induce a student-athlete to stay in school to pretend to go get his grad degree, maybe it's time to look in the mirror and try to get this professionalism bull**** out of the sport forever".

UNLV 59
Fresno 14

Looks like he was the main issue. Good thing you said might, though.

[UNHWildcat18]

Seems like he wasn’t really needed anyways. Fresno wasn’t a slouch of a team either.

[JacksFan40]

UNLV 59
Fresno 14

Looks like he was the main issue. Good thing you said might, though.
Backup seemed to do far better than Sluka has done. Not good for Sluka’s negotiating position in the portal. UNLV is still my pick for the G5 playoff spot, Barry Odom has done wonders there.

[Bisonoline]

He threw away a great education.

Did he graduate? Plus if one has acquired said great education how does one throw it away?

[ursus arctos horribilis]

He isn't FCS any longer correct? If so, it does not belong in the FCSD area.

You could use the "Ins & Outs" forum but even better, use the FBS Discussion forum.

[Bisonoline]

He isn't FCS any longer correct? If so, it does not belong in the FCSD area.

You could use the "Ins & Outs" forum but even better, use the FBS Discussion forum.

I dont think hes FCS of FBS right now????

[Redbird 4th & short]

Backup comes in, also a dual threat .. gets same # passes, and goes 13 of 16 for 182 yards and 3 TDs. Plus rushed for 120 yards and 1 TD. It's just 1 game, but still a notable improvement. And UNLV gets their best quality win of the year by far.



Player
Cmp
Att.
Yds.
TD
Int.
Long
Sack


Williams,Hajj-Malik (https://unlvrebels.com/sports/football/roster/hajj-malik-williams/16209)
13
16
182
3
0
34
0


Friel,Cameron (https://unlvrebels.com/sports/football/roster/cameron-friel/16155)
1
1
16
0
0
16
0


Totals
14
17
198
3
0
34
0






Player
Att.
Gain
Loss
Net
TD
Lg.
Avg.


Williams,Hajj-Malik (https://unlvrebels.com/sports/football/roster/hajj-malik-williams/16209)
12
120
1
119
1
24
9.9


James,Kylin (https://unlvrebels.com/sports/football/roster/kylin-james/16219)
5
62
4
58
0
53
11.6


Thomas,Jai'Den (https://unlvrebels.com/sports/football/roster/jai-den-thomas/16191)
7
30
0
30
1
9
4.3


Burrell,Greg (https://unlvrebels.com/sports/football/roster/greg-burrell/16211)
8
27
3
24
0
7
3.0


Green,Devin (https://unlvrebels.com/sports/football/roster/devin-green/16327)
3
10
0
10
0
5
3.3


Conerly,Timothy (https://unlvrebels.com/sports/football/roster/timothy-conerly/16144)
1
7
0
7
0
7
7.0


Irvin Jr.,DeAngelo (https://unlvrebels.com/sports/football/roster/deangelo-irvin-jr/16164)
1
5
0
5
0
5
5.0


Friel,Cameron (https://unlvrebels.com/sports/football/roster/cameron-friel/16155)
1
1
0
1
1
1
1.0


TEAM
1
0
2
-2
0
0
-2.0


Totals
39
262
10
252
3
53
6.5