Another day, another player falls prey to a fake promise! Already, the scoreboard is there to show how some surprises blew the fans’ minds. Here lands a dispute update shaking the CFB world. It’s the controversy that led the University of Nevada, Las Vegas QB Matthew Sluka to call it quits with his program. And who else to comment on the hoopla better than the HC of the program that has adapted and thrived in the evolved NIL era of college athletics? It was time for Texas Longhorns HC Steve Sarkisian who already “has a lot on his plate” to take a stand. While Sarkisian blatantly rebuked the program he was the one who came up with a brutal jab for players who run after NIL. 

On Tuesday, September 24 night, Sluka stirred the internet with his tweet confirming his departure from UNLV. A line from the tweet struck the fans where the QB stated, “Despite discussions, it became clear that these commitments would not be fulfilled in the future.” But what is it all about? As per the reports, a UNLV assistant coach promised Sluka at least $100,000 for transferring to the school. But in the end, the promises were not met and the player was handed only $3000 for re-location. And what did Sarkisian have to say about it? The Longhorns HC started with, “When you make an agreement you have to follow through.”

That makes the responsibility of both the parties. It’s interesting to find out that it’s the same Sarkisian who holds such firm beliefs about NIL. Earlier, things went all brutal when he opened up about the role NIL should play in recruiting. “That should be the last reason to choose to go to a school, whether it’s Texas or any other school,” commented the HC.  

But in Sluka’s case, he couldn’t comment much. Basically for two reasons. One, the QB does not belong to the Longhorns, and second, as Sarkisian admitted himself, “I don’t know all the specifics of exactly what happened there and I’m not going to pretend to. I’ve got enough stuff on my plate that I got to deal with.” But what’s the thing that has been bothering the HC? 

Steve Sarkisian’s quarterback plight

Right now, Sarkisian is in a huge dilemma. The Longhorns HC is yet to decide their starting quarterback for their inaugural SEC game against Mississippi State scheduled on Saturday, September 28. While their QB Quinn Ewers has been the main man, he got listed as questionable as per their first SEC injury report and is yet to recover from an oblique strain.

For the time being, their backup QB and the latest member of the Manning legacy, Arch Manning has taken up the reins. And guess what? He made a gigantic first career start last week helping Texas to crush UL Monroe in a 51-3 win. The starter finished 15-of-29 for 258 yards and two touchdowns with two interceptions. But Sarkisian is yet to arrive at a decision as he confirmed “We’re going to decide on the quarterback thing tomorrow,” that is on September 27. 

But even amidst the confusion what makes Steve Sarkisian get going? “I’d say he’s improved every day,” assured the Longhorns HC. It’s high time that he buckles up and comes up with a wise decision to shut the rivals in their SEC debut. 

In case after knowing about Matthew Sluka’s NIL troubles, you wish to learn more about NIL, you can take a look at the latest episode of the Think Tank podcast with Doug Sanders.