Miami Self-Imposes Bowl Ban

One day after beating South Florida and becoming bowl eligible, the Miami Hurricanes have officially declined to go bowling in 2011, self-imposing a bowl ban this post-season in the wake of an NCAA investigation. The university released the following statement Sunday morning:

The University of Miami has made the decision to withhold the UM football team from bowl consideration following the 2011 regular season in response to the ongoing NCAA inquiry and has informed both the NCAA and the Atlantic Coast Conference of its decision.

We understand and share the disappointment that our student-athletes, coaches, staff, supporters and fans are feeling but after lengthy discussions among University leaders, athletic administrators and outside counsel, it is a necessary step for our University. The University of Miami has not self-imposed any other penalties.

The team was informed of the decision earlier today and is in preparations for their final game of the season.

As we stated in August, the University of Miami maintains the highest standards in our academic and athletic endeavors and we will remain steadfast in our commitment to building winning programs with the utmost of integrity. We will be more vigilant in our compliance efforts and continue to work cooperatively with the NCAA on the joint inquiry to determine the true facts.

To continue to protect the integrity of the inquiry, the University will not comment further at this time.

For the seniors, you hate the fact that something earned is being taken. In the same breath, a lower-tier, late-December bowl game to celebrate a 7-5 ot 6-6 season – or taking one on the chin today instead of tomorrow seems prudent.

Miami is attempting to get out in front of the situation, giving up a bowl game in good faith, in hopes of reduced penalties in the future. Much easier to do as a five- or six-loss squad than sitting here with two or three losses in 2011.

More to come.

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