Miami hit with minor NCAA violations for women's basketball recruits' contact with high-profile program booster
John Ruiz isn’t fazed by the NCAA hitting the Hurricanes with Level II violations for his involvement in the recruitment of 2 women’s basketball prospects.
The NCAA announced Friday that Miami women’s basketball coach Katie Meier committed Level II violations when she arranged for Haley and Hanna Cavinder to have dinner with Ruiz. The Cavinders being dined by Ruiz was ruled an impermissible benefit from a booster.
The violations and sanctions to Miami women’s basketball are minor. The involvement of Ruiz, though, has the attention of the college football world.
Miami WBB coach Katie Meier facilitated the meeting between Cavinders & Ruiz, NCAA says.
Meier was suspended for first 3 games of this season. Other UM WBB sanctions:
– 1-yr probation
– fine of $5K + 1% of WBB budget
– reduction in OVs & recruiting dayshttps://t.co/84AVs5ZJzO— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) February 24, 2023
Perhaps the most important NCAA ruling was that Ruiz was not disassociated from the program. The high-profile Miami businessman, who has signed many Hurricane athletes to NIL deals, said the NCAA decision won’t change how he handles dealing with athletes.
Ruiz to @SINow: “It’s upsetting for these girls that have nothing to do with this. Ultimately, NCAA has to appear they are doing something. It’s up to the school to resolve these grievances w/the NCAA. If it was up to me, I’d go after them and it would not be a good day for them”
— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) February 24, 2023
More John Ruiz to @SINow on NCAA’s UM infractions ruling: “When you read this in totality, it sounds pretty foolish. … This decision does not affect what I do or how I will continue to do it. We know we do everything properly. We continue negotiations the way we do.”
— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) February 24, 2023
Just spoke with John Ruiz, the Miami alum involved in paying NIL deals in this case. He said the sanctions had “little substance” and would not change the way he pursues NIL deals.
“It doesn’t affect me. If it did I’d be suing the NCAA and it wouldn’t be a good day for them.” https://t.co/8wCOJAlt16
— Dan Murphy (@DanMurphyESPN) February 24, 2023