NCAA’s investigation of Miami put on hold: NCAA now investigating itself

Welcome to the crazy world of the NCAA. The investigation into the University of Miami athletic program and former booster Nevin Shapiro has officially been put on hold.

The NCAA has found that their own infractions committee could be at fault for “an issue of improper conduct.” The committee reportedly obtained information improperly during the investigation.

According to a report released by the Associate Press:

The NCAA says that former enforcement staff members worked with the criminal defense attorney for former booster and convicted Ponzi scheme architect Nevin Shapiro to improperly obtain information during the course of the investigation. The NCAA says that information came during a bankruptcy proceeding that did not involve the NCAA.

If you were wondering, yes the NCAA committee is now investigating the NCAA committee.

Presdient Mark Emmert, who has been very vocal regarding the need for integrity, stated the following to the Associated Press:

“I have been vocal in the past regarding the need for integrity by NCAA member schools, athletics administrators, coaches, and student-athletes,” said Association President Mark Emmert. “That same commitment to integrity applies to all of us in the NCAA national office.”

“To say the least, I am angered and saddened by this situation. Trust and credibility are essential to our regulatory tasks,” said Emmert. “My intent is to ensure our investigatory functions operate with integrity and are fair and consistent with our member schools, athletics staff and most importantly our student-athletes,” he added.

What does this mean for Miami? With the committee now needing time to investigate itself, the University could take the chance to levy down more of their own punishments (i.e. additional Bowl ban) to help alleviate any that should come from the NCAA. Whether they will or not remains to be seen.

This latest news is another gut check moment for the NCAA, which is currently being sued by Pennsylvania Governor Thomas Corbett for overstepping it’s boundaries int he Jerry Sandusky scandal.

Be sure to check back for regular updates on this story.

Photo credit: Tyler Kaufman-USA TODAY Sports

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