Sluka’s agent, Marcus Cromartie, alleged to ESPN that Friends of UNLV – the school’s NIL collective – had not paid the $100,000 verbally promised to him by one of the team’s assistant coaches.

Sluka’s father Bob told the outlet that UNLV head coach Barry Odom said the offer was not valid because it did not come from him, but rather from offensive coordinator Brennan Marion.

The offer was not in writing.

“You talked about loyalty to the program – Matthew Sluka came from Holy Cross, he was a great player there,” Davis said. ‘But he arrived in July – there was no deep-seated connection. Probably Occam’s razor philosophy is most likely to be true. And it’s probably true that he was promised something and it wasn’t delivered. That’s probably true.

“It’s clearly true that he didn’t have it in writing.”

Sluka had completed 43.8 percent of his passes for 318 yards, six touchdowns and one interception, and added 253 yards and one touchdown on the ground.

UNLV started the season 3-0 for the first time since 1984.

According to the report, friends at UNLV paid Sluka $3,000 for an appearance he made over the summer, but the collective denied ever offering the $100,000 during his recruitment.

“Additionally, Friends of UNLV did not complete or agree to any NIL offers while he was on the team, aside from a completed event over the summer.

“…We take our obligations very seriously. We would like to emphasize that we have honored all Friends of UNLV contracts this season and have not defaulted on any agreements with Mr. Sluka. Our commitment to supporting Rebel student-athletes remains steadfast, and we are committed to maintaining the integrity of our programs.”