UM's Young & Muhammad Under Investigation; Young Suspended
CBS Miami: The rocky period that has been the offseason for the University of Miami football team, got another stone thrown at it Friday when reports surfaced saying that the school is investigating two football players for possible violations.
The Miami Herald reported that linebacker Juwon Young is being investigated for receiving improper benefits – use of a luxury vehicle from a car agency. The publication also reported that Young has been suspended indefinitely by the school for "violation of department rules" and is "away from the team" and "isn't expected to be on the team this coming season".
Muhammad is also named in the publication's report as the other player being investigated, however, his status with the team is not in as dire of straits as Young.
Other reports are stating that more players from Miami's football team could have also used the luxury cars and are being investigated by the school, not the NCAA.
The school has not released an official statement regarding the matter.
Young started five of the final seven games for UM this past season in place of injured starter Raphael Kirby, totaling 57 tackles and an interception. Set to be a junior in 2016, Young was in the mix to receive significant playing time this coming season.
Muhammad, who opted to return for his redshirt junior season, is expected to be a big contributor to the Canes' revamped defense – benefitting from the new scheme brought in by defensive coordinator Manny Diaz and defensive line coach Craig Kuligowski.
This is just the latest face-palm worthy happening since the Hurricanes had its spring session.
Back in March, offensive linemen Trevor Darling and Jahair Jones were arrested. The two had the charges dropped not even a day later and neither received any official discipline from the team, but it still got the offseason off on the wrong foot.
Punter Jon Semerene was arrested and dismissed from the team in April following a DUI arrest.
The biggest head-shaker of them all was probably the April arrest of sophomore running back Mark Walton. Walton too was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol – compounded by him being only 19 years old – and knowingly driving with a suspended license, resulting in him being suspended indefinitely by the team.
Walton pleaded not guilty to the charges. However, Walton remains indefinitely suspended by the team.
If Young is not a member of the team this coming season or is suspended for a set length of time, it could open the door for freshmen linebackers Shaq Quarterman and Michael Pinckney to take full ownership of starting linebacker roles.
Miami is set to open the 2016 season September 3rd at home against Florida A&M.
