### UNLV Declines Casino’s Offer to Retain Departed Quarterback Matt Sluka

UNLV has refused an offer designed to appease its departed quarterback, Matt Sluka, who recently left the team over an unmet financial promise. Mike Palm, Vice President of Operations for Circa Sports and associated casinos in Downtown Las Vegas, proposed a $100,000 NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deal to retain Sluka, but the university firmly declined.

The quarterback, who quit this week, cited a broken commitment from UNLV assistant coach Brennan Marion, who allegedly pledged $100,000. However, UNLV and its affiliated collective have denied making any formal NIL offer. According to ESPN, Sluka’s father reinforced the claim, stating the family was promised the substantial amount, but Sluka received only $3,000 instead.

Palm approached Circa Sports CEO Derek Stevens with a rescue plan to fund the $100,000 needed to keep Sluka—seen as pivotal for the team’s College Football Playoff ambitions. "Mr. Stevens was willing to help the university get there," Palm said, emphasizing that $100,000 is a small price to keep UNLV’s College Football Playoff hopes alive. Despite this, UNLV remained uninterested and stated they would no longer engage with the Sluka family.

Despite NCAA regulations prohibiting athletes from accepting NIL deals from casinos directly, Palm mentioned a potential workaround involving a deal with Circa Resort and Casino. Nevertheless, it appears moot as UNLV has chosen to move forward without Sluka.

The UNLV Runnin’ Rebels, currently holding a 3-0 record, are gearing up to face Fresno State on Saturday with transfer Hajj-Malik Williams expected to start as quarterback.