UM Player Files Police Report Over NCAA Investigator
MIAMI (CBSMiami) – The long and never-ending saga that is the NCAA investigation into the University of Miami took another twist over the weekend when UM football player Dyron Dye went to the Coral Gables Police to file a police report over an NCAA investigator.
According to the police report, Dye and his attorney, Darren Heitner, said that before a second meeting with NCAA investigator Richard Johanningmeier, Dye felt the investigator "coerced Mr. Dye into providing favorable answers for his investigation."
Dye told police that "he did not recall the specifics of what Mr. Johanningmeier was asking" and that the player "felt intimidated by Mr. Johanningmeier…threatened Mr. Dye's eligibility if he did not cooperate during the interview."
Dye has been interviewed multiple times by the NCAA including last week. Dye's interviews have been to clear up confusion over what he said in an affidavit he wrote supporting former Miami assistant Aubrey Hill.
According to CBS4 news partner the Miami Herald, Dye and other former UM players including Olivier Vernon, Eric Moncur, Randy Phillips, and Jacory Harris signed affidavits supporting Hill. Vernon told the Herald that the NCAA "treated us like criminals."
Johanningmeier has retired from the NCAA, according to the police report. The Herald reported he has been previously sued by two former Alabama coaches involved in an NCAA investigation against the Crimson Tide and the suit was tossed out on a technicality.
The University of Miami is set to go before the NCAA Committee on Infractions this summer to face charges including lack of institutional control over claims made by disgraced, and imprisoned, former booster Nevin Shapiro.
The Hurricanes have self-imposed a two-year postseason ban for the last two seasons and the NCAA can choose to accept that punishment, impose more punishment, or dismiss the case. The investigation has been tainted by problems from investigators that have led to multiple external reviews of the case.
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