For the second straight year, Miami will not be going bowling thanks to a self-imposed postseason ban in the wake of the NCAA’s ongoing investigation into the program and former booster Nevin Shapiro. After much deliberation over the past couple of weeks, Miami interim athletic director Blake James made the announcement Monday morning.
The Hurricanes (6-5 overall, 4-3 ACC) became bowl eligible with a win over South Florida this past weekend. A win over Duke this Saturday would have put them in the ACC championship game against Florida State. Instead, Georgia Tech (6-5 overall, 5-3 ACC) will face the Seminoles next month.*
Below is a statement from the university:“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 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.”
Obviously, this is a move on Miami’s part to do whatever it can to try to reduce any potential penalties from the NCAA as they investigate the program. According to a story from Yahoo! Sports last year, Shapiro claims he provided millions of dollars in impermissible benefits to Miami student-athletes.
(*A quick note about the Yellow Jackets. Like UCLA last season, GT could lose to Georgia next week and Florida State in the ACC championship game, putting them at 6-7. Tech would need a special waiver from the NCAA to go bowling in that scenario)