UNLV will be without another skill position player for the remainder of the season.
The day after quarterback Matthew Sluka announced he would not play any more games this season, running back Michael Allen posted on social media Wednesday that he plans to enter the transfer portal and redshirt the remainder of the season.
“After three games, I have decided to take advantage of my redshirt and enter the portal as an RS JR at the end of the season,” he wrote on X on Wednesday afternoon. “I am grateful to UNLV and wish them nothing but success. Unfortunately, I did not get the opportunity I was hoping for, but I am excited to continue my football career.”
Allen, a transfer from North Carolina State, clarified in a follow-up post that his decision had nothing to do with name, image and likeness (NIL).
“This is due to an on-field opportunity. I have not received a cent from the UNLV organization,” he wrote.
Allen, a junior, carried the ball 10 times for 65 yards in his first game of the year, but his opportunities dwindled in the next two games and last week he was held to just one carry for three yards against Kansas.
The running back spent two years at North Carolina State before transferring to Las Vegas for what will likely be a short stay.
Sulka, like Allen, had a stellar career at Holy Cross, where he was a third-team FCS All-American in 2023, before transferring to UNLV this year.
Sulka, in a post on Tuesday, suggested he was leaving the program due to the NIL issue.
ESPN reported that Sulka He had been verbally promised $100,000 by an assistant coach, but the commander and his father claim they never received the payment.
“I made a commitment to enroll at UNLV based on certain explanations that were not kept after enrollment,” he posted on X. “Despite discussions, it has become apparent that these commitments will not be fulfilled in the future. I wish my teammates the best of luck this season and hope for continued success for the program.”
In a statement to media, UNLV said the player, a Long Island native and graduate of Kellenberg Memorial University, had made “demands” to the school.
“UNLV Athletics interpreted these demands as a violation of NCAA pay-for-play rules and Nevada state law,” UNLV said. “UNLV has not engaged in such activities and will not respond to the implied threats. UNLV has fulfilled all previously agreed-upon scholarships for Matthew Sulka.”
“UNLV has conducted its due diligence and will continue to operate its program within the framework of NCAA rules and regulations and Nevada state law.”
