Miami University has self-imposed yet another postseason ban for the second straight season in the wake of an ongoing NCAA investigation into the school’s compliance practices.
The inquiry began in 2011 after a former booster came forward with allegations that he provided multiple athletes and recruits with extra benefits such as cash and gifts.
The Hurricanes are hopeful by implementing a postseason ban that the NCAA will lessen its punishment if it find that the university has committed any wrongdoing.
The announcement came Monday morning from interim athletic director Blake James following the Hurricanes 40-9 victory over South Florida Saturday, which made them bowl eligible with an overall record of 6-5 and 4-3 in the ACC.
University President Donna Shalala and the school’s legal counsel were also involved in the decision.
The school issued the following statement:
“Considerable deliberation and discussion based on the status of the NCAA inquiry went into the decision-making process and, while acknowledging the impact that the decision will have on current student-athletes, coaches, alumni and fans, a determination was made that voluntarily withholding the football team from a second postseason was not only a prudent step for the University to take but will also allow for the football program and University to move forward in the most expedited manner possible,” the statement read.
It continued, “The University and President Shalala have been clear from the start of the inquiry that Miami will cooperate fully and will seek the truth, no matter where the path might lead and that the institution will be stronger because of it. The University has already taken proactive measures to ensure more strict compliance with NCAA rules and continues to evaluate further steps. “No other self-imposed penalties have been issued at this time and to continue to protect the integrity of the inquiry, the University will have no further comment.”
Hurricanes coach Al Golden, was not apart of the decision-making process, but told reporters Sunday that he understood if a decision was reached to forego another postseason due to self-impose sanctions because the decision was out of his control.
“It’s not really about what I feel,” Golden told reporters. “There’s not one coach sitting in this chair that wouldn’t want to continue to get the bowl practices and move the team forward and have a chance to win more games. But that’s just taking football into account.”
Golden is on board with any decision that will expedite the process, allowing for the program to move forward.
The Hurricanes have the opportunity to secure a share of the ACC Coastal Division title with a win over Duke in their regular season finale, but Georgia Tech (6-5, 5-3 ACC) will represent the Coastal Division in the ACC Championship Game. The Yellow Jackets will take on Florida State, the representative from the Atlantic Division on Dec. 1, in Charlotte, N.C.
But Golden said that Saturday’s season finale is more important for the seniors of the program.
“It’s critical,” Golden said. “It’s critical for our seniors, for them to have weathered what they will have weathered and be able to have an opportunity to go out like that.”
