CORAL GABLES, Fla. — Miami is not going to a bowl this season, self-imposing a ban that school officials say was "necessary" in response to an ongoing NCAA investigation into the university's compliance practices.
The move was not unexpected, though coach Al Golden said Saturday night he was unaware of any discussions about Miami removing itself from bowl consideration. Less than 24 hours later, the school announced it had informed both the NCAA and the Atlantic Coast Conference of its decision.
Miami players, many of whom had said of late that they wanted and expected to play in a bowl game, were told Sunday that Friday's game against Boston College will be the season finale.
"We understand and share the disappointment that our student-athletes, coaches, staff, supporters and fans are feeling," the university said in a statement. "But after lengthy discussions among university leaders, athletic administrators and outside counsel, it is a necessary step for our university."
Miami became bowl-eligible on Saturday, beating South Florida 6-3 for its sixth win of the season. The decision means that many members of the school's heralded signing class of 2008, including quarterback Jacory Harris and linebacker Sean Spence, will leave the program without a postseason victory.
The NCAA is still investigating Miami over claims that a former booster provided 72 players and recruits with extra benefits from 2002 through 2010. The former booster, convicted Ponzi scheme architect Nevin Shapiro, is serving a 20-year prison term and plans on writing a book detailing his interactions with players.