Update on the U: 12 Players Suspended
'Canes starting quarterback Jacory Harris and 11 other members of the football team have all been suspended and some have been ordered to pay restitution before being eligibile to play. The most serious penalties handed down by the NCAA were those individuals that took gifts from Mr. Shapiro while they were being recruited. These players include defensive lineman Olivier Vernon, who will sit out six games and pay $1,200,and Ray Ray Armstrong and tight end Dyron Dye who will miss four games apiece and pay $788 and $738, respectively. In addition to Harris, Sean Spence, Travis Benjamin, Marcus Forston and Adewale Ojomo, all projected as likely starters, must sit out one game and make restitution for accepting benefits after enrolling at the school. Additionally, four other players must repay small amounts, all under $100, but will not miss any games. The only player cleared of any wrongdoing was Marcus Robinson. The NCAA is still continuing its investigation into the Miami scandal that has brought the dirty dealings of college athletics into the foreground. While the NCAA should be recognized for the swift decisions it has made regarding the student athletes, it has still put itself in a predicament regarding any future actions that must be taken in similar instances. The NCAA prides itself on its recognizing student athletes, however, in situations like this it should take a united front and disqualify student athletes for taking improper benefits or allow student athletes to get paid a specific sum during every season in which the student athlete is qualified to participate in the sport for which a scholarship was provided. A decision like this blurs the line between the goals of the NCAA and since these student athletes took improper benefits and were not suspended, this may be the beginning of the end of the term student athlete as we may see these athletes being paid in due time.
My name is Christopher Fusco. I am the managing partner of Callahan & Fusco, LLC with offices in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.