NCAA: Miami allegations point to need for change

August 18, 2011 at 4:27AM

CORAL GABLES, FLA. - With investigators five months into checking allegations that a Ponzi scheme artist spent freely on University of Miami athletes, the NCAA president said Wednesday that if the claims are confirmed they show the need for "fundamental change" in college sports.

Former Hurricanes booster Nevin Shapiro, now serving 20 years in federal prison, claims he provided players with cash, prostitutes, cars and other gifts from 2002 to 2010. Shapiro told Yahoo! Sports that 72 football players and other athletes at Miami received improper benefits from him in the past decade.

"If the assertions are true, the alleged conduct at the University of Miami is an illustration of the need for serious and fundamental change in many critical aspects of college sports," NCAA President Mark Emmert said in a statement.

The Hurricanes' entire football team practiced Wednesday, even though Shapiro's claims involve several current players. Coach Al Golden said it was too soon to take disciplinary action.

Last week, Emmert led a group of university presidents in drafting an outline for change in college sports. The group included Miami President Donna Shalala.

Shalala said she was upset by the allegations. "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," she said in a statement.

Shapiro was sentenced to prison in June for masterminding a $930 million Ponzi scheme. He gave 100 hours of jailhouse interviews to Yahoo! Sports, the website reported.

NCAA investigators were on the Miami campus this week and have interviewed Shalala and first-year athletic director Shawn Eichorst.

ASSOCIATED PRESS

about the writer

about the writer

More from Sports

card image

The Vikings are likely to be active in NFL free agency in March with more than $60 million in cap space to spend and 24 players set to become unrestricted or restricted free agents.

card image