SPORTS ILLUSTSRATED: … The NCAA has long been a lightning rod for criticism with its maddening layers of bureaucracy, antiquated rulebook and role as the bad guy when anybody’s favorite school gets punished. But during Emmert’s tenure, which began in 2010, the NCAA has engendered a whole different level of fury thanks to a never-ending series of self-inflicted controversies and missteps. Nearly all involve the process by which the governing body investigates and punishes rule-breakers. And that makes Wednesday’s news about the Miami probe all the more galling.
Having spent nearly two years investigating the most extensive and salacious pay-for-play scandal since SMU, and reportedly right on the cusp of finally issuing a Notice of Allegations, the NCAA has revealed that its entire case is now in jeopardy due to an astonishing breach of conduct. Over the course of investigating ex-Miami booster and convicted Ponzi schemer Nevin Shapiro’s claims that he supplied a decade of Hurricanes’ athletes with extra benefits (with the knowledge and possibly approval of various coaches and staff members), someone at the NCAA apparently hired Shapiro’s personal bankruptcy attorney, Maria Elena Perez, for the purpose of deposing witnesses and collecting information on the organization’s behalf.
“This is obviously a shocking affair,” said Emmert. “We have to get the answer to, how did this individual who was working with Shapiro end up engaging in these activities on our behalf? It’s stunning that this has transpired.” … (more)
