Leading off today: A former New York CHSFL star has launched a broadside at his university, and the ripple effect could be massive.
Overnight, a story broke that UNLV quarterback Matt Sluka of the UNLV Rebels is leaving the program because the school did not deliver what he was promised in his NIL agreement. Sluka announced his decision on social media, saying he will redshirt the remainder of the season.
UNLV operates a rushing-heavy offense, but Sluka has passed for 318 yards and six touchdowns, also running for 253 yards and a TD during the team's 3-0 start. UNLV opens its Mountain West schedule on Saturday vs. Fresno State, and the Rebels will host Syracuse the following weekend.
"I committed to UNLV based on certain representations that were made to me, which were not upheld after I enrolled," Sluka wrote on X.com. "Despite discussions, it became clear that these commitments would not be fulfilled in the future. I wish my teammates the best of luck this season and hope for the continued success of the program."
Not surprisingly, social media caught fire within hours, with some defending Sluka and others suggesting he had reneged on his agreement with the school in pursuit of more money. A cursory glance of what has been posted suggests both sides had enlisted surrogates to make their case, all but confirming that reconciliation isn't in the cards in the city that is America's ground zero for blackjack, Texas hold 'em, and baccarat.
Regardless, the Sluka situation is an escalation in the uneasy evolution of college sports, which has only recently opened the doors to easy transfers, multiple extra years of eligibility, and the introduction of legal payments for Name, Image, and Likeness rights.
Sluka grew up in Nassau County and was a three-sport athlete at Kellenberg Memorial, where he was a dual-threat QB who rolled up 2,187 yards through the air and 2,750 on the ground over the 2017 and '18 seasons.
Though highly recruited as a lacrosse player, Sluka enrolled at the Peddie School after Kellenberg, where he caught the attention of the Holy Cross football staff. There, he made 37 starts from 2020-23, finishing with 5,896 yards and 59 TDs through the air. He also rushed for 3,579 yards and another 38 scores.
Which brings us to one (not unreasonable) take on the state of U.S. sports
More Section 3 soccer postponements
In an escalation of a problem that has
come to light in recent days, there waere at least three more postponed boys soccer games in Section 3 on Tuesday,
Syracuse.com reported.
Corcoran at Liverpool and Henninger at Baldwinsville, and Fowler at Central Square were all called off, with the latter a Senior Night contest that will now be played (hopefully) on Friday.
The reason cited is a shortage of referees, but it's unclear whether that is connected to a dispute between game officials and some schools over the use of an online payment system that replaces the long-held voucher system.
"It's a reason I can't really discuss," Liverpool coach Paul Bonus told the website. "It's above me."
Baldwinsville AD Chris Campolieta texted team members about the postponement and attributed the problem to "the very real issue of the shortage of officials."
