CORAL GABLES, Fla., Oct. 31 -- The University of Miami admitted Tuesday to six minor violations in its football program, but denied four more serious charges by the NCAA, including the dreaded 'lack of institutional control.' The school released a statement Tuesday in response to an NCAA investigation that began four years ago. The university admitted to violations of its self-imposed drug policy, but contested allegations of misappropriation of Pell Grant funds and a pay-for-play scandal, which rewarded Hurricanes players for big plays on the field. School officials will meet with the NCAA on Nov. 10, when possible sanctions will be determined. The football program, which had been nationally ranked for the last decade until this year, faces potential bowl restrictions and scholarship losses. A final decision from the NCAA will not come until January, after the season is over. Miami's admission in not policing its own drug policy likely stems from the situation surrounding former Hurricanes defensive lineman Warren Sapp, now a member of the NFL Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Sapp, the 1994 Lombardi Award winner, was allowed to play last year despite reports that he had failed drug tests. In addition, former academic advisor Anthony Russell was dismissed after it was revealed he took kickbacks to prepare false applications for some 85 federal Pell Grant distributions. Rap star and Miami native Luther Campbell is allegedly one of the figures involved in the pay-for-play scandal. Earlier this year, Campbell threatened to go public with details of cash bonuses for players if Ryan Collins was not installed as the team's starting quarterback.
Collins was named starter by new coach Butch Davis but was sidelined by an injury early in the season. There also have been uncomfirmed reports of former Hurricanes receiving discounted apartment and auto rentals and making illegal contact with agents while still attending school, all violations of NCAA rules. Miami has won three straight games after a 1-3 start, but must win three of its four remaining games to be eligible for a bowl invitation. The Hurricanes have played in 12 consecutive New Year's Day bowl games, a streak likely to come to an end after this season. Davis took over for Dennis Erickson, who resigned to become coach of the NFL's Seattle Seahawks last January. Most of the violations occurred under Erickson, who led the Hurricanes to a national championship in 1989. The Hurricanes also won national titles in 1983 under Howard Schnellenberger and in 1987 under Jimmy Johnson. Since 1983, Miami is 130-22, the best record of any school in Division I-A.
