For the last couple of weeks, one of the questions surrounding the Miami football program has been when will Al-Quadin Muhammad make his 2014 debut. The answer’s now here -- and it’s he won’t.
A school spokesperson confirmed to the Miami Herald that Muhammad has been suspended from the football team and will not play at all in 2014. He is no longer enrolled in school and is officially separated from the university; however, the Herald reports, Muhammad could return to classes next semester.
It’s unknown if the defensive end will take that tack or if he transfers to another football program. If he chose the latter route, he’d have to sit out the 2014 season to satisfy NCAA transfer rules if he lands at an FBS school.
As for what led to the rather severe punitive measure? From the paper:Muhammad is being punished for a confrontation with a roommate that left the roommate with a broken nose, according to two sources with direct knowledge of the situation. The incident happened several months ago, and the former roommate has since graduated.
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Muhammad told UM that he hit the roommate in self-defense, according to a UM athletic department employee, who said there were conflicting statements when witnesses were interviewed.
The coaching staff, which is reportedly unhappy over the university’s decision to suspend the player, had sat Muhammad for the first two games of the season.
A four-star member of The U’s 2013 recruiting class, Muhammad was rated as the No. 3 weakside end in the country and the No. 1 player at any position in the state of New Jersey. He played in 13 games as a true freshman last season and was expected to be a key part of the Hurricanes’ line rotation this year.