Hurricanes on the right roadMiami Hurricanes officials did what they had to do this past Monday making what they called an “unprecedented decision” to self-impose a postseason ban for the second straight year, effectively ending any chance of the Hurricanes playing in either the Atlantic Coast Conference championship game or a bowl.
As was the case a year ago, this decision was made due to the ongoing NCAA investigation into the school’s compliance practices or the Nevin Shapiro scandal as some would call it. The inquiry began in 2011 after Shapiro went public with allegations that he provided dozens of athletes and recruits with extra benefits such as cash and gifts. By punishing itself again, Miami — which is still waiting to hear from the NCAA regarding these allegations — is hoping to ease the hit of any expected sanctions that could be handed down when the investigation ends. Schools often self-impose penalties in hopes that the NCAA takes those measures into account when handing out punishment. Miami clearly did the right thing here. Surely the NCAA will recognize that the University is admitting some fault and holding itself accountable with this pair of postseason bans. Considering that they had a chance at a bowl game berth this year, that should look good in the eyes of the NCAA. Whenever the process ends, sanctions against the football and men’s basketball programs are expected. This past Saturday after the Hurricanes (6-5) became bowl-eligible with a 40-9 win over South Florida, Miami coach Al Golden spoke about how his team has handled endless distractions and how proud he is of his players. The long road back to respectability begins now.
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