UNLV WR Ricky White III calls for Circa CEO to donate reported $100,000 NIL offer after Fresno State win

UNLV spent all week in the headlines and not because of their 3-0 start. Quarterback Matthew Sluka decided to sit out for the rest of the 2024 season after reportedly not being paid the $100,000 promised to him during the recruiting process. At one point, Circa casino executives offered to pay the total to keep Sluka with the Rebels.

Well, he denied the offer and UNLV had to roll with Hajj-Malik Williams at quarterback. Fresno State was next up on the schedule and turned out to be a huge win at home, 59-14. A big afternoon on the ground was the main storyline for UNLV, going for 252 rushing yards.

Following the game, wide receiver Ricky White III called for the $100,000 offered to Sluka by Circa to be given to the offensive line. They were the ones opening up lanes for UNLV to run in and ultimately get a comfortable win to extend the record to 4-0.

“I would ask that somebody reach out to the Circa CEO and ask him, with that $100,000 that he wanted to donate, give it to our O-line please,” White said via ESPN’s Max Olson.

UNLV has an offensive line filled with experience, with all five starters being upperclassmen. Three of them are transfers as well, beginning their college career elsewhere. Either way, the unit head coach Barry Odom has put together has been great through four games.

White wants them to get some of the NIL love Sluka was offered during the week. If they keep it up moving forward, the group might just be rewarded.

UNLV head coach Barry Odoms comments on Matthew Sluka situation

Following the win against Fresno State, Odom commented on the Sluka situation without specifically mentioning the quarterback. He read the prepared statement at his press conference.

“Many have expressed very strong opinions about the events of last week without full knowledge of the facts, without full knowledge of the events of last week and without full knowledge of the rules in the ever-changing, evolving NIL system.

“And regrettably, some have even used this circumstance as a platform for their own agendas. I respect everyone’s right to an opinion, and I won’t comment on others’ opinions or their motivations for expressing them.

“Rather, I’ll say only that our football program complied with applicable rules and, subject to those rules, we’re fully committed to the development and the success of every student-athlete in our program.”