The NCAA handed down its first sanctions in response to the Miami booster catastrophe that was uncovered earlier this month. The first ruling is in regard to the 12 current Hurricane players who had connections to defamed UM booster Nevin Shapiro and his NCAA rule-breaking escapades involving Miami football and basketball players from 2002-2010.
According to the NCAA, all 12 players will be allowed to play again after paying various forms of restitution for their dealings with Shapiro. Of those 12 players, eight will be suspended for at least one game.
The harshest penalties were handed down to three players – defensive lineman Oliver Vernon, safety Ray Ray Armstrong and tight end Dyron Dye – for accepting gifts from Shapiro while being recruited. Vernon will miss six games, while Armstrong and Dye will sit out four games. In addition, Vernon will have to repay more than $1,200 for benefits received before being reinstated. Armstrong’s restitution will cost him $788 and Dye will have to pay back $738 for their extra benefits.
Quarterback Jacory Harris, along with fellow starters Sean Spence, Travis Benjamin, Marcus Forston and Adewale Ojomo, will be suspended from playing in the Canes’ opening match-up against ACC foe Maryland and must make restitution for accepting benefits from Shapiro after enrolling at UM.
Four other players were not suspended from any games – as long as they repay amounts totaling less than $100 each for their connection with Shapiro.
The ruling handed down Tuesday will most likely be first of many possible sanctions against the Hurricanes as the NCAA continues its investigation of Miami’s compliance practices and association with Shapiro. Shapiro stated in an interview from jail that he provided benefits to 72 Miami football and basketball players in an eight-year span.
No ruling has been announced regarding current Miami basketball player DeQuan Jones and his possible infractions in dealing with Shapiro.
