Gators' Lose DT Due To NCAA Violations
GAINESVILLE, Fla. (CBSMiami.com) – It turns out the University of Miami isn't the only Sunshine State school dealing with player eligibility problems due to improper benefits.
The NCAA announced Thursday that Florida Gators sophomore defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd must sit out two games and payback the $2,700 he received from an individual not affiliated with the school.
The NCAA said Floyd used the money for living expenses, transportation, and other expenses. Plus, the NCAA said he received impermissible benefits prior to enrollment including transportation and lodging related to unofficial visits to other schools during the recruiting process.
Floyd was the number one defensive tackle recruit in the country in 2009, according to Scout.com.
The suspension was going to be for four games, but the NCAA found mitigating circumstances including a personal hardship that led to the impermissible benefits being provided to Floyd by someone other than a family member or legal guardian.
Florida didn't miss Floyd last week against Florida Atlantic University and won't miss him again this week against UAB.
University of Florida athletic director Jeremy Foley released a statement about Floyd's case saying part:
Sharrif grew up in an environment where he didn't have the things most of us take for granted – food, shelter and clothing. In the absence of parents, there were kind people, in no way affiliated with the University of Florida, who were not boosters or sports agents, that helped him along the way to provide those things that he would otherwise not have had. This is not an issue about his recruitment to the University of Florida or any other University.
Sharrif Floyd is an outstanding young man and we are very proud that he represents our program. We are all disappointed that he had to deal with this situation, but he will move forward and be stronger for this."
