University of Miami Women's Basketball punished by NCAA

This morning, news broke that the NCAA had punished the University of Miami women's basketball program due to an NIL infraction. NIL which allows collegiate athletes to get paid through endorsements began in 2021. This is not the first time the University of Miami athletics department is punished by the NCAA.

The NIL infraction comes from the famous Cavinder twins who are part of the women's basketball program and two of the highest earners in collegiate sports through NIL. The NCAA was made aware of the infraction after a picture of the Cavinder twins and their parents were enjoying a meal at John Ruiz's house who is a booster for the University of Miami. The photo was posted on Instagram on April 13, 2022 which led the NCAA to open an investigation. The twins were currently in the transfer portal at the time of the dinner as this is ruled as enticing a future signee.

Women's basketball head coach Katie Meier served a three-game suspension at the start of the season due to the initial part of the investigation on the infraction.

NCAA Punishments:

- A one-year probation

- A $5,000 fine plus 1% of the women's basketball budget

- A 7% reduction of official visits during the 2022-23 academic year

- A reduction of nine recruiting days for 2022-2023

- A three-week probation on communications with recruits at the opening of the transfer portal

Written by: Daniel Torres

University of Miami Women's Basketball punished by NCAA