After a week full of drama due to two shocking redshirts, the UNLV Rebels bounced back in perhaps the biggest way they could on-field.
The Rebels took on the Fresno State Bulldogs with a new starting quarterback in Hajj-Malik Williams, who shined. Former starting quarterback Matthew Sluka started a world of drama after exiting the UNLV program due to broken promises with the coaching staff. The promises were revealed to be financial, as the quarterback was paid $3000 instead of the $100,000 he originally agreed upon.
The UNLV Rebels coaching staff has denied these claims, stating Sluka met with an agent after the 3-0 start to negotiate more NIL earnings from the school. Allegedly, when the Rebels denied Sluka a hypothetical raise the quarterback announced he would enter the transfer portal and redshirt the 2024 season.
UNLV made a statement in its first game without Matthew Sluka: The Rebels are going to be just fine.
Story from Las Vegas on a dominant day and 59-14 win vs. Fresno State led by new starting QB Hajj-Malik Williams: https://t.co/AvXxP7ZSB4 pic.twitter.com/PYMd5Bl6DR
— Max Olson (@max_olson) September 29, 2024
Immediately upon receiving the news, many Rebels fans were worried that the team would no longer have college football playoff hopes. The Circa Casino CEO and other company officials offered to pay the Rebels the $100,000 that Sluka claims he was not paid. The Rebels staff quickly rejected the offer, stating Sluka has already left the program and the team wishes to ‘not do business’ with the quarterback again.
UNLV Rebels Appear to be in Safe Hands With Hajj-Malik Williams
After Williams was able to quickly step in and score more touchdowns in a game than Sluka was able to, other teammates were vocal about where the money should go.
Star wide receiver Ricky White III was asked about the original statement regarding the Circa Casino offer, and stated that the money should go to the offensive line.
PLEASE https://t.co/aYsftz96T4
— Ricky White lll (@Only1RW) September 28, 2024
The receiver doubled-down on social media by reposting his original quote, with the word ‘Please’ fully capitalized. The Rebels have allowed just four sacks this season and did not allow a sack during the 59-14 conference win. The message from the young receiver was critical, and provided the UNLV Rebels fans with a great look into what the players are actually like, aside from the controversy in the news.
your the greatest wide receiver of all time
— ðrew🦅 (@drewxvz) September 28, 2024
Respect ✌️
— SC (@USCinIdaho) September 28, 2024
I may be a BSU guy, but I respect the hell out of this. You’re a stand up young man Ricky! 🫡
— Garrick (@8ntmuch) September 29, 2024
Man, agreed. Y’all balled out today. #MajjMahal pic.twitter.com/kLnvJ87iqQ
— JBreeezy. 100’s are done??? (@J_Brandz) September 29, 2024
White currently has 20 receptions, 253 yards receiving, and five touchdowns this season with a long of 55-yards. White record ten receptions against Fresno State, along with two touchdowns and proved that he can take over a game when the football is thrown his way.
Williams loved to throw to White and appears to have already developed great chemistry with the top receiver on the roster.
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