Quarterback Jacory Harris and 11 other Miami players who accepted extra benefits from former booster Nevin Shapiro will be allowed by the NCAA to play again, the first sanctions in a scandal that continues to overshadow the Hurricanes.
Of those, eight will miss at least one game, and all 12 must pay restitution.
The harshest penalties handed down Tuesday were reserved for those who took gifts from Shapiro while being recruited. Defensive lineman Olivier Vernon will sit out six games, while Ray Ray Armstrong -- considered among the nation's top safeties -- and tight end Dyron Dye will miss four games apiece. Among the players sanctioned, only Vernon will miss more than one Atlantic Coast Conference game.
Harris, Sean Spence, Travis Benjamin, Marcus Forston and Adewale Ojomo -- all of whom were likely starters -- must sit out one game and make restitution for accepting benefits after enrolling at the school. Four other players must repay small amounts, all under $100, but will not miss any games. ESPN
This will definitely hurt the U but they will survive. I don't think anyone was expecting them to compete for a National Title this year anyways so if worse comes to worse, this just kills the dream for Canes fans earlier.
It could have been a lot worse and since they have a capable back up QB in Stephen Morris they will still do fine against Maryland. Also, cornerbacks Brandon McGee and JoJo Nicolas, defensive tackle Micanor Regis, safety Vaughn Telemaque and linebacker Marcus Robinson have been cleared by the NCAA to play because they were questioned too.
I trust Al Golden will be fine with this.