On Saturday, Miami lost two of their top defensive players, as junior defensive lineman Al-Quadin Muhammad and senior linebacker Jermaine Grace were reportedly dismissed from the program due to NCAA rules violations.
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The dismissals likely stem from an on-going investigation into the two players involving deals with a luxury rental car agency. The Palm Beach Post reported that the two were being held out of practices as far back as Aug. 11 due to the investigation.
Miami likely won't be sanctioned for the rules violations, according to a statement from head coach Mark Richt.
"The decision was made in consultation with outside counsel and after discussions with the NCAA enforcement staff. As no staff members or boosters were involved in the violations, the program will not be subject to sanctions and, at this time, the University deems this matter closed."
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That is good news for Miami, who is still under probation until October.
The losses are huge for the Hurricanes, who had a mediocre defense already. Muhammad accounted for 8.5 tackles for loss and five sacks last season, while Grace was one of the teams leading tacklers with 79 total tackles. Miami and Richt will now have to reach deep on the depth chart to replace these two impact players.
