Miami pledges full probe of ex-booster’s bombshell

The “U” is no different than many if not most other successful football programs across the country. What this means is simply that there has always been some level of corruption and breaking of the rules in college sports, and this is especially so with college football; a money-making machine for major universities.

The truth is that the NCAA, which makes millions upon millions of dollars off of its athletes each year, is well aware of what goes on in college sports. They simply look the other way as it is in their best interest to maintain the status quo. Obviously, the system that they’ve put in place is flawed, but since it benefits them they are reluctant to change it. As with everything else, it’s all about the almighty dollar.

By the way, no one will ever convince me that coaches, the athletic director, or the university president for that matter are not aware of the “perks” that their athletes get. In fact, they’re the first ones to break the rules. Just remember, some of these athletes can barely write or perform simple arithmetic and yet even though they may be failing academically they are allowed to play sports. Eventually they are awarded degrees simply because they are great athletes and have been a tremendous source of income for the university. So, as far as I’m concerned, they’re all in bed together; the entire lot. TGO

Refer to story below. Source: CNN

By the CNN Wire Staff, August 17, 2011 4:15 p.m. EDT

(CNN) — The University of Miami says it is cooperating with an investigation into claims by an imprisoned former booster that he spent millions on gifts, entertainment and travel for Hurricanes athletes.

“We will vigorously pursue the truth, wherever that path may lead, and I have insisted upon complete, honest, and transparent cooperation with the NCAA from our staff and students,” the school’s president, Donna Shalala wrote in an open letter Wednesday.

Shalala said she was “upset, disheartened and saddened” by the allegations leveled by Nevin Shapiro, a onetime Miami businessman now serving a 20-year federal prison term for fraud. Shapiro told Yahoo! Sports that he showered dozens of Miami players with cash and jewelry, paid restaurant and nightclub tabs and supplied prostitutes over an 8-year period — and that several coaches were aware of the activity.

Shapiro was arrested in 2010 on charges of overseeing a Ponzi scheme that prosecutors eventually determined had totaled $930 million. He pleaded guilty to securities fraud and money laundering that September and told Yahoo! that his accusations against Miami were part of his agreement to cooperate with prosecutors.

The NCAA, which regulates college sports, said it has been investigating Shapiro’s claims for five months. NCAA President Mark Emmert said in a written statement that if true, the allegations show the need for “serious and fundamental change” in college sports, especially regarding the conduct of boosters and agents.

The Hurricanes open their football season September 5 against Maryland. Head Coach Al Golden, who was picked to lead the team in December, told reporters before practice Wednesday that he wanted to clear up the matter “as quickly as we can.”

“This is a very complicated issue obviously, because of the source and because of the allegations,” Golden said. “But again, I’m here to get to the bottom of it.”

“It’s really important to understand that we have a lot of guys in that locker room that do things the right way, that come from great families and have made good decisions,” he added.

About The Great One

Am interested in science and philosophy as well as sports; cycling and tennis. Enjoy reading, writing, playing chess, collecting Spyderco knives and fountain pens.
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One Response to Miami pledges full probe of ex-booster’s bombshell

  1. GhostRider says:

    Yet another example of the sludge Capitalism creates.

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