Miami Hurricanes: Controversies and Scandals

The University of Miami has also experienced some degree of controversies, scandals and incidents which at times have led to NCAA sanctions, suspensions, and negative publicity for the university. These include a situation in 1978 where three players threw a man into a lake precipitating the resignation of coach Lou Saban, the 1991 Cotton Bowl Classic unsportsman like conduct giving rise to the so-called "Miami Rule," the 1995 Pell Grant scandal, and the 2005 "7th Floor Crew" rap song, described above.
1980s: Luther Campbell's "pay for play"
2 Live Crew member Luther Campbell was alleged to have been behind what was referred to as a "pay-for-play" system, which involved cash rewards for acts such as scoring touchdowns and big hits, although Campbell has never actually donated to the University of Miami or its athletics department.
2006: FIU brawl
On October 14, 2006, in the first meeting of cross-town programs, Miami and the Florida International Golden Panthers brawled after a PAT.
FIU cornerback Chris Smith wrestled Miami holder Matt Perelli to the ground after the kick and appeared to punch him in the chin. Another FIU cornerback, Marshall McDuffie, Jr., kicked Perelli in the head. Miami's Anthony Reddick swung his helmet at FIU players and Miami's Brandon Meriweather kicked an FIU player. FIU's A'Mod Ned, who was injured, came onto the field and swung at Miami players with his crutches. The fight lasted just over one minute before the coaches of both teams were able to separate the players. Florida Highway Patrol state troopers and City of Miami police arrived on the field as the fight was going on and remained a visual presence on the sidelines and in the stands to prevent further fighting. The game was delayed approximately 15 to 20 minutes as the officials attempted to sort out which players were ejected and what, if any, penalty yards needed to be enforced.
The next day, 31 players from both schools were punished — 18 from FIU, 13 from Miami — The Miami players were handed one-game suspensions, while the FIU players were suspended for the remainder of the season. Three Miami players were suspended indefinitely and the rest were also assigned community service work.
2002–2010: Shapiro scandal
A Ponzi schemer, convicted felon and Miami booster, Nevin Shapiro, claimed he used investor funds to finance donations to the University of Miami's athletic program and gave an estimated $2 million in illegal benefits to at least 72 current or former football and basketball players and coaches from 2002–2010. A Yahoo! Sports report alleged that Shapiro, through his donations, violated at least four major NCAA bylaws.