Colorado Buffaloes two-way star Travis Hunter weighed in Wednesday on the drama surrounding former UNLV quarterback Matthew Sulka.
After a 3-0 start, Sulka left the Rebels due to unfulfilled financial commitments. He decided to take a redshirt year instead of finishing the season at the school. He had already transferred from Holy Cross to UNLV.
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Colorado Buffaloes wide receiver Travis Hunter (number 12) before a game against the Baylor Bears at Folsom Field on September 21, 2024 in Boulder, Colorado. (Christopher Hannewinkel-Imagen Images)
Hunter said on his podcast: “Travis Hunter Show” Sulka argued that the focus should be on the draft, not name, image and likeness (NIL) transactions.
“Buddy, if I were you, I'd love to go to the NFL,” said Hunter, a candidate for this year's Heisman Trophy. “NIL can wait. I know it's happened to a lot of my teammates, but I'm playing on that field. I need all the film I can get. Every part of it… It's not about the NIL, it's about the NFL.
“Because I know that if I had moved somewhere else I could have made a lot of money. But it's not about the money. It's not about the NFL. The NFL is going to set you up for the rest of your life. Only a moment can calm you down. ”
Sulka announced last week that he would be leaving the team amid a 3-0 start, citing failure to fulfill certain commitments made when he decided to transfer from Holy Cross to UNLV.
“I committed to attend UNLV based on certain representations made against me, which were not upheld after admission,” Sulka said in a statement posted to X.
ESPN host scolds former UNLV quarterback on Nil Drama: 'You can't just bail out the team'
Colorado Buffaloes wide receiver Travis Hunter, No. 12, scores a touchdown during the first quarter against the UCF Knights at FBC Mortgage Stadium on September 28, 2024 in Orlando, Florida. (Mike Watters-Image Image)
“Despite the discussions, it has become clear that these promises will not be fulfilled in the future. I wish my teammates the best of luck this season and wish the program continued success.”
Sulka's agent, Marcus Cromartie of Equity Sports, and the quarterback's father, Bob, did not uphold the $100,000 NIL verbal offer UNLV made to Sulka to transfer from Holy Cross to UNLV. It is claimed that
Blueprint Sports and Entertainment, UNLV's NIL organization, issued a statement denying the Sulka family's claims.
“No formal offer was made to NIL during Mr. Sulka's recruitment process,” the statement said. “Furthermore, Friends of UNILV did not finalize or agree to NIL’s offer while he was a member of the team, other than a community engagement event completed over the summer.
“At Blueprint Sports and the Friends of UNILV, we take our commitments very seriously. We also want to emphasize that we have not broken any agreements. Our commitment to supporting the level of our student-athletes is steadfast and we are committed to maintaining the integrity of our program. ”
UNLV also released a statement on the matter, saying Sluka had made “financial demands” that it considered a violation of NCAA rules.
UNLV Rebels quarterback Matthew Sluka (#3) hits Kansas Jayhawks defensive end Dean Miller (#45) during the first half on September 13 at Children's Mercy Park in Kansas City, Kansas. , exchanges the ball with cornerback Kobe Bryant (#2). 2024. (Jay Biggerstaff-Imagine Images)
“A representative for football player Matthew Sulka has made financial demands against the university and its NIL group to allow him to continue playing,” the school said in a statement. “UNLV Athletics interpreted these requests as violations of NCAA pay-for-play rules and Nevada law. UNLV does not engage in such activities and will not respond to implied threats. UNLV has honored all previously agreed upon scholarships to Matthew Sulka.
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“UNLV has conducted its due diligence and will continue to operate its program within the framework of NCAA rules and regulations and Nevada law.”
FOX News' Scott Thompson contributed to this report.
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