Miami officials attend Day 2 of NCAA hearing

INDIANAPOLIS - University of Miami school officials, former football assistants and the ACC commissioner attended the second day of the NCAA hearing Friday in the massive infractions case against the Hurricanes.

School president Donna Shalala and Atlantic Coast Conference commissioner John Swofford attended the hearing again with the NCAA Committee of Infractions. Former football assistants Clint Hurtt and Aubrey Hill were among the first to arrive for the session at a downtown hotel.

All the officials declined comment before the proceedings began and at the lunch break.

They are defending the Hurricanes against allegations that could bring severe sanctions because of improper benefits provided by former booster Nevin Shapiro.

The NCAA alleges improper benefits went to 72 players, three recruits and 12 "friends and family members." Shapiro is serving a 20-year sentence for his role in a $930 million Ponzi scheme.

Shapiro has said he gave coaches, players and recruits cash, memorabilia, strip-club outings, yacht rides and paid for prostitutes. Most of Shapiro's claims involved the football program, though others also involved the Hurricanes' men's basketball team.

On Thursday, the session lasted 91⁄2 hours. Athletic director Blake James, football coach Al Golden and former basketball coach Frank Haith attended the hearing. Basketball assistants Jake Morton and Jorge Fernandez also were present Thursday.

The Committee on Infractions typically releases its report six to eight weeks after the hearing.

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