The University of Miami has permanently dismissed red-shirt junior defensive end Al-Quadin Muhammad and senior Jermaine Grace for breaking NCAA rules.
BREAKING: @CanesFootball DE Al-Quadin Muhammad and LB Jermaine Grace dismissed from team, per UM.
— Susan Miller Degnan (@smillerdegnan) August 27, 2016
Both were accused of “improperly using luxury cars,” per Andrea Addelson of ESPN.
The two players will continue to be supported financially to complete their education, however.
“The University will, however, continue their financial aid through graduation,” UM said in a statement, per Bruce Feldman of Fox Sports. “The decision was made in consultation with outside counsel and after discussions with the NCAA enforcement staff. As no staff members or boosters were involved in the violations, the program will not be subject to sanctions and, at this time, the University deems this matter closed.”
In particular, the loss of Muhammad will significantly impact Miami’s defense. He’s the team’s best pass rusher and started coming on strong last year, finishing with eight tackles for a loss and five sacks.
Grace will also be tough to replace as one of the team’s top coverage linebackers.
Miami has to be tough when it comes to disciplining players for breaking NCAA rules after being hit hard twice in the past few decades for scandals involving improper benefits.
First there was the “pay for play” scandal that sunk the program in the 1990s. The last round of sanctions came just five years ago after a long investigation into booster Nevin Shapiro.
Whatever your views are on the NCAA and how it treats student-athletes, it seems clear the University had its hands tied in this instance.