INDIANAPOLIS – The NCAA just gave the football programs at Miami and Ohio State a big morale boost.
Both teams outperformed many of their rivals in the classroom and joined 11 other Football Bowl Subdivision teams on this year’s list of academic overachievers.
The timing is impeccable for two of college football’s most prominent programs, both trying to repair damaged reputations after facing embarrassing NCAA investigations over the last 18 months.
“That’s the purpose of it really, public relations,” said David Ridpath, an assistant professor in sports administration at Ohio University and past president of the NCAA-watchdog, The Drake Group. “They may be doing everything right, but I doubt it.”
Ohio State and Miami can certainly use the help after their run-ins with the NCAA.
Jim Tressel resigned as the Buckeyes’ coach in May 2011 after admitting he knew players had likely accepted improper benefits. Some Ohio State players also were suspended, and the Buckeyes have been banned from the postseason this fall.
An investigation into a series of tawdry allegations made last summer by former Miami booster and convicted Ponzi scheme architect Nevin Shapiro is ongoing. Shapiro claimed he provided improper benefits to 72 Miami football players and recruits from 2002-10.
