AP Source: NCAA found $170K in Shapiro benefits
CORAL GABLES, Fla. (AP) — The NCAA is alleging that former Miami booster Nevin Shapiro was responsible for providing about $170,000 in impermissible benefits to Hurricanes athletes, recruits, coaches and others between 2002 and 2010. Shapiro allegedly spent more than half that amount – at least $90,000 – in an effort to get NFL players Vince Wilfork and Antrel Rolle to sign with a sports agency he was involved with, said the person, who spoke to The Associated Press Wednesday on condition of anonymity because neither Miami nor the NCAA has publicly released the allegations. Also included in the allegations: That Shapiro spent at least another $56,000 on ”meals, entertainment, clothing, jewelry, travel, lodging and cash” on football players, recruits and others. The NCAA alleged that Shapiro spent that on 72 then-players, three recruits and 12 ”friends and family members” of those either on the team or being recruited by the school. Virtually all of the Hurricane players …
Devin Smith Needs to Step Up for the Buckeyes Offense in 2013
There’s no question that Devin Smith has the ability to be one of the premier receivers in the whole country. The knock on him, though, is that the consistency isn ’t always there. 2013 is a new year and Devin will now be an upperclassmen, which means it’s time for him to step up and contribute in a big way on a veteran Buckeye offense. Some of the catches Devin made last season were downright nasty: the one-handed grab against Miami University, and don’t forget the snag in the end zone against Cal. Each showed what the future could look like for Devin Smith, but it’s the routine plays that he needs to improve upon. More than once last season, Devin found himself with a ball that he couldn ’t reel in. Was this a sign of his youth, or just showing his lack of consistency? If it was just youth, he should make strides in…
Blockbuster BCS main event, with iffy undercard
NEW YORK (AP) — The penultimate Bowl Championship Series gave college football a national championship matchup low on controversy and loaded with star power. No. 1 Notre Dame against No. 2 Alabama in Miami on Jan. 7 for the national title. No complaints. That Fiesta Bowl with No. 5 Oregon against No. 7 Kansas State looks good, too. After that, well, you can see why so many fans are so eager to get rid of the BCS. No. 4 Florida goes to the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans to face No. 22 Louisville, a Big East team that was unranked as recently as last week. Then again, at least the Cardinals are ranked. Big Ten champion Wisconsin will be the first five-loss team to play in the Rose Bowl when it faces No. 8 Stanford in Pasadena, Calif. Then there’s the Orange Bowl in Miami, where No. 13 Florida State …
Miami self-imposes 2nd straight bowl ban
CORAL GABLES, Fla. (AP) — Miami officials said Monday that the university is making what it called an ”unprecedented decision” to self-impose a postseason ban for the second straight year, ending any chance of the Hurricanes playing in either the Atlantic Coast Conference championship game or a bowl. Just like last year, Miami’s decision was made with regard to the status of the ongoing NCAA investigation into the school’s compliance practices. The inquiry began in 2011 after a former booster went public with allegations that he provided dozens of athletes and recruits with extra benefits such as cash and gifts. By sitting out again, Miami – which still has not been presented with its notice of allegations from the NCAA – is hoping to lessen the hit of any looming sanctions that could be handed down when the investigation ends. Schools often self-impose penalties with hope that the NCAA takes those measures into account when doling out punishment. Miami clearly hopes that a pair of postseason bans, especially when the Hurricanes still had a chance at a Bowl Championship Series …
Golden says Miami has not made bowl decision
CORAL GABLES, Fla. (AP) — To no one’s surprise, Miami coach Al Golden wants to see the Hurricanes in a bowl game this season. It’s still unclear if he will get that chance. The university remained silent Sunday about whether Miami would self-impose a second straight postseason ban, which would be done in response to the ongoing NCAA investigation into the Hurricanes’ compliance practices. Golden said he spoke briefly Sunday with acting Miami athletic director Blake James, but was not told of any final decision. ”It’s just difficult,” Golden said of the waiting game. ”It really is. It’s difficult and unwieldy.” Golden said he’s always talking to his players about focusing on the things they can control and following a process. ”This is the antithesis of that,” he said. ”This is kind of a curveball.” Miami (6-5) became bowl-…
Big Ten bowl projections: Week 8
Oh, Gene Smith. If only Ohio State had self-imposed a bowl ban in 2011 before the NCAA did (for 2012), there’s a good chance the unbeaten Buckeyes would be headed to some BCS…
Nebraska paying top dollar for Eichorst
We don’t know how much Shawn Eichorst made as Miami’s athletic director because Miami, as a private institution, doesn’t release salary figures. But it’s safe to assume Eichorst’s salary in his new job…
Miami’s Eichorst to replace Osborne
Nebraska has found its successor to athletic director Tom Osborne in Miami’s Shawn Eichorst, ESPN’s Brett McMurphy is reporting. According to McMurphy, Eichorst has resigned as Miami’s athletic director and will replace Osborne,…
Ohio State vs UAB Gameday Info – Sept. 22, 2012
UAB (0-2) at #16 Ohio State (3-0) Saturday, Sept. 22, 2012 – Noon ET Ohio Stadium (102,329) Columbus, Ohio The Broadcasts Television: BTN will televise the game with Eric Collins and Derek Rackley…
Buckeye Leaves: Ohio State football tidbits
The biggest contribution from freshmen in the win over Miami came from players on the defensive side of the ball.
