Colorado Buffaloes two-way star Travis Hunter weighed in on the drama surrounding former UNLV quarterback Matthew Sluka on Wednesday.
Sluka left the Rebels after a 3-0 start due to financial commitments that were reportedly not met. He decided to take a redshirt year rather than finish out the season at the school. He had already transferred to UNLV from Holy Cross.
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Colorado Buffaloes wide receiver Travis Hunter, #12, before the game against the Baylor Bears at Folsom Field in Boulder, Colorado on September 21, 2024. (Images by Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn)
Hunter said on his podcast, “The Travis Hunter Show,” that Sluka should focus on the draft and not name, image and likeness (NIL) deals.
“Dude, if I'm you, I'm trying to make it to the NFL,” said Hunter, who is a contender for the Heisman Trophy this year. “NIL can wait. I know it happened to a lot of your teammates, but I'm out there playing on that field. I need all the film I can get. Every part of the film… It's not about NIL, it's It's about the NFL.
“Because I know if I had transferred somewhere else, I could have gotten a significant amount of money, but it's not about the money. It's about getting to the NFL. The NFL is going to fix you for life. NIL I can only fix you for a moment.”
Sluka announced last week that he was leaving the team amid a 3-0 start, claiming certain commitments were not met when he decided to transfer from Holy Cross to UNLV.
“I committed to UNLV based on certain statements made to me, which were not confirmed after I enrolled,” Sluka said in a statement posted to X.
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Colorado Buffaloes wide receiver Travis Hunter, #12, scores a touchdown against the UCF Knights during the first quarter at FBC Mortgage Stadium in Orlando, Florida on September 28, 2024. (Mike Watters-Imagn Images)
“Despite discussions, it became clear that these commitments would not be met in the future. I wish my teammates the best of luck this season and hope the program continues to be a success.”
Marcus Cromartie, Sluka's agent with Equity Sports, and the quarterback's father, Bob, claim UNLV did not fulfill its side of a $100,000 NIL verbal offer for Sluka to transfer from Holy Cross to UNLV.
Blueprint Sports and Entertainment, UNLV's NIL collective, issued a statement denying the Sluka family's claims.
“There were no formal NIL offers during Mr. Sluka's hiring process,” a statement said. “Furthermore, Friends of UNILV did not finalize or accept any NIL offers while he was part of the team, other than a community engagement event completed over the summer.
“At Blueprint Sports and Friends of UNILV, we take our commitments very seriously. We would like to emphasize that we have honored all Friends of UNILV contracts this season and have not breached any agreements with Mr. Sluka. Our commitment to supporting Rebel “Student-athletes remain steadfast and we are dedicated to maintaining the integrity of our programs.”
UNLV also issued a statement on the matter, saying Sluka made “financial demands” that it considered a violation of NCAA rules.
UNLV Rebels quarterback Matthew Sluka, #3, runs the ball against Kansas Jayhawks defensive end Dean Miller, #45, and cornerback Cobee Bryant, #2, during the first half at Children's Mercy Park in Kansas City, Kansas, on September 13. 2024. (Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images)
“The representative of the footballer Matthew Sluka demanded money from the university and the NIL collective to be able to continue playing,” the school stated. “UNLV Athletics interpreted these lawsuits as a violation of NCAA pay-for-play rules as well as Nevada state law. UNLV does not engage in such activity nor respond to implied threats. UNLV has complied with all previously agreed upon agreements. scholarships for Matthew Sluka.
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“UNLV has conducted its due diligence and will continue to operate its programs within the framework of NCAA rules and regulations, as well as the laws of the state of Nevada.”
Fox News' Scott Thompson contributed to this report.
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