Report: Miami investigating 2 players for NCAA violations (Update)
Update: June 24 - 5:30 p.m. ET
According to CaneSport.com, up to five players could be involved in the same issues that got Young suspended from the team.
But the announcement immediately jumpstarted speculation of the involvement of an additional player or players. A source told CaneSport that as many as five other players might also be under suspicion of accepting illegal benefits from the same car agency .A separate source told CaneSport that the rumors that basketball players might also be involved are totally false.
There were no confirmations or denials of any of the rumors from UM except another highly-placed source told CaneSport that there is absolutely no NCAA investigation involving the issue that caused Young's suspension or possibly involving any other UM athletes.
Defensive end Al Quadin Muhammed, another player named in the report that said Young was being investigated, has not been suspended by Miami.
Update: June 24 - 1:30 p.m. ET
Miami announced that linebacker Juwon Young has been indefinitely suspended from the program. In a brief release, the school said Young's suspension stems from a "violation of department rules."
According to Matt Porter of the Palm Beach Post, Young was not forthcoming during the school's investigation.
Per source, Young was suspended because he wasn't forthcoming with UM about its internal investigation re: potential NCAA violations.
— Matt Porter (@mattyports) June 24, 2016
Per Porter, the investigation could involve basketball, too.
Miami has for months been investigating several players in football and basketball. More to come in my story.
— Matt Porter (@mattyports) June 24, 2016
Original story: June 24 - 1:00 p.m. ET
Miami is reportedly investigating two of its own players for potential NCAA violations.
According to the Miami Herald, linebacker Juwon Young and defensive end Al Quadin Muhammad are being looked at for their possible involvement with a car agency. Young is currently “away from the team” and his status for the 2016 season is “in serious doubt,” the report says.
From the Herald:
Multiple people inside the UM football program do not expect Young to be on the team this season. One source cautioned that he's in limbo and it's still possible he could return but he's not in a good position.
The matter, according to a source, involved Young gaining use of a luxury vehicle from a car agency. It's unclear if Young paid for the vehicle or if he intends to.
Things do not appear to be as serious in Muhammad’s case. The Herald reports the standout defensive lineman is still with the team, but as of now, he has “not been cleared.” However, “multiple sources expect Muhammad to be on the team next season,” the report says.
Both players were expected to play significant roles on the Hurricanes’ defense in 2016. Young, a junior, had 57 tackles, three tackles for loss and an interception in 2015. He started five of the team’s final seven games.
Muhammad played in 12 games in 2015 with seven starts and finished with 54 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss and five sacks. He missed 2014 due to suspension. He was reportedly involved in an altercation with his roommate, who is said to have broken his nose in the incident.
Miami already on NCAA probation through October stemming from the scandal involving former booster Nevin Shapiro. In the situation involving Young and Muhammad, the school “would report” to the NCAA “if it confirms any violations occurred,” the Herald reported.
Miami is entering its first season under Mark Richt, who returned to his alma mater after he was fired following 15 seasons at Georgia. Richt replaces Al Golden, who was fired during the 2015 season – his fifth with the program. Overall, Golden finished with a 32-25 (17-18 ACC) with the Hurricanes.
Miami opens its season against Florida A&M on Sept. 3.
For more Miami news, visit CaneSport.com.
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Sam Cooper is a writer for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!
