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The UNLV Rebels are surrounded by controversy this week due to recent redshirt decisions from a pair of notable players. Starting QB Matthew Sluka made the surprise decision to sit out the remainder of the season after making three appearances under center.
Running back Michael Allen followed suit a day later.
Each cited unfulfilled promises in their reasoning, with Sluka’s situation making major waves.
The quarterback claims to have been swindled out of $100,000, a number agreed upon by UNLV and Sluka’s agent at the time of his signing.
A payment plan was supposedly put in place, but the checks never came! He was said to have been given $3,000 for relocation to Las Vegas, and that’s it.
The Rebels, meanwhile, insist that no deal was ever made official. Reports doubted whether Sluka’s agent actually got the agreement in writing.
Whatever the case, the offense will now be without its starting passer, as well as a notable ball carrier.
Wide receiver Ricky White remains unbothered by what’s transpired!
In a message on X, he subtly shaded his former quarterback while hyping Sluka’s replacement, Hajj-Malik Williams.
True story
— Ricky White lll (@Only1RW) September 25, 2024
In three games with Matthew Sluka under center, Ricky White recorded 10 catches for 126 yards. While he did haul in three touchdowns, the production has dropped off notably from 2023.
Last year with the Rebels, White led the Mountain West Conference in receiving. His 1,483 yards were good for third nationally behind Rome Odunze and Malik Nabers.
His per game average has dropped from 105 ypg to 42 ypg, but he feels confident he’ll see an uptick with a new signal caller in the lineup.
Time will tell!
UNLV is prepping for an upcoming conference meeting with Fresno State. The Rebels have already knocked off the likes of Kansas and Houston to position themselves firmly in the Group of Five playoff picture.
We’ll see if they can continue their winning ways despite the recent redshirt decisions.