Donna Shalala Statement On NCAA

The NCAA and president Mark Emmert had their say earlier today, talking about the botched investigation, the firing of a higher-up in their organization and the fact that the Miami case will proceed, despite tainted evidence, tampering and corruption.

The University of Miami and president Donna Shalala have responded with a statement as the business day draws to a close. Let the posturing and positioning continue by two presidents on President’s Day … but for the critics of Shalala – especially UM faithful – here’s hoping this below statement hits you between the eyes at it should Emmert.

Miami’s boss isn’t playing around and this was a bonafide calling out of the corrupt NCAA. Anyone who thinks the Canes and Shalala aren’t going down swinging, be warned.

“The University takes full responsibility for the conduct of its employees and student-athletes. Where the evidence of NCAA violations has been substantiated, we have self-imposed appropriate sanctions, including unilaterally eliminating once-in-a-lifetime opportunities for our students and coaches over the past two years, and disciplining and withholding players from competition.

We believe strongly in the principles and values of fairness and due process. However, we have been wronged in this investigation, and we believe that this process must come to a swift resolution, which includes no additional punitive measures beyond those already self-imposed.

In September 2010-two and a half years ago-the University of Miami advised the NCAA of allegations made by a convicted felon against former players and, at that time, we pledged our full cooperation with any investigation into the matter. One year later, in August 2011, when the NCAA’s investigation into alleged rules violations was made public, I pledged we would ‘vigorously pursue the truth, wherever that path may lead’ and insisted upon ‘complete, honest, and transparent cooperation with the NCAA from our staff and students.’

The University of Miami has lived up to those promises, but sadly the NCAA has not lived up to their own core principles. The lengthy and already flawed investigation has demonstrated a disappointing pattern of unprofessional and unethical behavior. By the NCAA leadership’s own admission, the University of Miami has suffered from inappropriate practices by NCAA staff. There have also been damaging leaks to the media of unproven charges. Regardless of where blame lies internally with the NCAA, even one individual, one act, one instance of malfeasance both taints the entire process and breaches the public’s trust.

There must be a strong sense of urgency to bring this to closure. Our dedicated staff and coaches, our outstanding student-athletes, and our supporters deserve nothing less.”

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