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Will the University of Miami finally learn its NCAA fate tomorrow? The Miami Herald tweets that according to a source the team’s sanctions could come down tomorrow.
No one else is corroborating the report yet, and The Herald hasn’t offered up any more information. Though, the NCAA is well past the timeline where it should have announced its ruling. The ‘Canes got their Notice of Allegations all the way back in February after an investigation that started more than two years ago in 2011. UM officials went before the committee of infractions 18 weeks ago.
Update: The AP is now reporting that the sanctions will be coming tomorrow as well:
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The Herald adds that a news conference is expected to be called at 11 a.m. with the findings being released to the media shortly before.
Of course the timing couldn’t be more odd. The Hurricanes are currently sitting at number seven in the BCS standings. Though its a long shot, a win over FSU in two weeks would put them solidly in the national championship discussion. Even with a loss, the ‘Canes still seem poised to make their first run to the ACC championship game.
UM has already sat out two post-seasons on its own volition, but even though the undefeated ‘Canes are having their best season in years if the NCAA decides that more than two years of bowl bans are warranted the team could find itself sitting at home during bowl season once again.
The NCAA is in a tough image situation of its own making already. To say the least, this investigation has already made them look bumbling. They’ve had to investigate themselves for the handling of this case.
If the NCAA waited to announce the results the week before FSU there would certainly be outrage. If the NCAA waited until after the FSU game and Miami somehow came out the victor they’re going to look even worse. This week is pretty much the last safe week the NCAA had to announce the sanction until after the season.
The ‘Canes would have 15 days to appeal, and that would mean if they do seem primed to make the ACC championship they could elect to play that game during the appeals process.
