By Harley Long Posted October 2, 2011
Yet another program is under the influence of cheating. The issue today is the manner in which recruits are handled and the trafficking scouts who “guide” recruits in the direction of certain high-profile teams or teams with special relationships. NCAA violations have been going through the roof this year alone. Alabama, Arkansas State, University Central Florida, Florida International University, Florida State University, Michigan, New Mexico, Texas Tech, University Southern California, Ohio State and now Miami are all on probation for violating NCAA rules.
“Miami’s internal investigation has determined eight football players, including quarterback Jacory Harris, are believed to have committed NCAA violations by associating with booster Nevin Shapiro and have been declared ineligible,” said a person with knowledge of the process. (http://articles.boston.com) Players like Kellen Winslow Jr., Devin Hester, Andre Johnson, Willis McGahee, Frank Gore, Jacory Harris, Sean Taylor, Antrel Rolle, Vince Wilfork and D.J. Williams were all included according to http://www.deseretnews.com.
They can not pinpoint an exact number of players that are involved with Nevin, who is a convicted Ponzi scheme artist who is serving a 20-year prison sentence for cheating $930 million from investors. Shapiro allegedly provided cash, goods, prostitutes, assorted favors and on one occasion, abortions to University of Miami football players. Miami may face “the death penalty” that in the past kept some schools from participating in former seasons. It’s hard not to negatively think, “did other players accept the benefits as well and slip through the cracks? “
