University of Miami Announces New Booster Rules

With the specter of the Nevin Shapiro scandal still hanging over its head, the University of Miami’s compliance office announced changes to its rules which will prevent boosters from providing occasional meals for the school’s athletes or hosting them at their homes, even though such are acceptable according to NCAA guidelines.

The changes were announced in a newsletter sent out by the compliance office on Monday.

“Effective immediately, boosters are no longer permitted to entertain student-athletes with an occasional meal and boosters are prohibited from hosting current University of Miami student-athletes in their homes or other locations,” read the newsletter.

Currently, NCAA rules allow for athletes to “receive an occasional meal from a representative of athletics interests on infrequent and special occasions."

The school is still awaiting word of possible sanctions stemming from revelations made last year by former booster Shapiro who told Yahoo Sports that he provided benefits, including meals and entertainment at his homes, to 72 UM football players and recruits over most the past decade.

Shapiro is serving a 20-year sentence after he pleaded guilty to securities fraud and money laundering charges in connection with a $930 million Ponzi scheme.

Calls to the University of Miami Monday seeking comment were not immediately returned.