At a time when the ideal of amateurism in college athletics appears shakier than ever, Yahoo Sports reported Tuesday that University of Miami players and recruits received thousands of benefits in violation of NCAA rules from a booster from 2002 through 2010. NCAA officials visited Miami this week to investigate allegations made by a former booster, Nevin Shapiro, a felon who is incarcerated for his role in a $900 million Ponzi scheme. Shapiro said he gave hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash to Miami players and entertainment services at his million dollar homes and yachts. He also said he arranged bounties on opposing players like Florida's Tim Tebow and Florida State's Chris Rix. The allegations involve 72 former Miami athletes, including Jonathan Vilma, Kellen Winslow Jr. and Devin Hester, and the current quarterback Jacory Harris. Yahoo reported that the former Miami star Vince Wilfork, now with New England, reportedly accepted $50,000 while playing for the Hurricanes.
