8 Hurricanes football players suspended

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MIAMI, Aug. 30 (UPI) -- Eight current Miami Hurricanes football players must sit out at least one game as punishment for receiving improper benefits, the NCAA ruled Tuesday.

The suspensions were handed out in a case involving former University of Miami booster and convicted felon Nevin Shapiro.

The NCAA ruled the eight also must repay the value of the impermissible benefits, the South Florida Sun-Sentinel reported.

The harshest penalty was meted out to defensive end Olivier Vernon, who was suspended six games and told to repay $1,200 in benefits, the newspaper said.

Meanwhile, strong safety Ray-Ray Armstrong and tight end Dyron Dye will sit out four games and repay benefits, while five others -- defensive tackle Marcus Forston, linebacker Sean Spence, defensive end Adewale Ojomo, receiver Travis Benjamin and quarterback Jacory Harris -- were all suspended one game.

"The student-athletes involved have acknowledged receiving improper benefits and will now be responsible for restitution and, in some cases, the student-athletes will also serve game suspensions," Miami Athletic Director Shawn Eichorst said in a statement.

"They understand that their actions demand consequences."