University of Miami Scandal: Booster's Football Sex Parties, Gifts

The University of Miami scandal may be one of the biggest to hit college football in recent history. Ex-booster Nevin Shapiro is claiming that he gave dozens of UM football players illegal gifts and financial support, including hosting lavish sex parties in South Beach hotels and on his yacht, cash, jewelry and electronics.

Some may question Shapiro's credibility. Much of the information Shapiro is sharing with the press stems from a jailhouse interview, as he is currently serving a 20-year sentence over a $930 million Ponzi scheme.

But, as a man with not much left to lose, maybe Shapiro's story will be corroborated. And, if you believe his tale, the University of Miami's scandal could be the motherload of all scandals.

Take, for example, USC's more recent (and tamer) scandal. The University of Southern California's Reggie Bush made headlines when the NCAA investigated the program and slapped USC football with a two-year bowl ban, all because USC allegedly made illegal payments to Bush's family, according to The Daily Mail.

Compare that to Shapiro's claims, which seem much more outlandish. Sex parties on a yacht are only the tip of the iceberg, it seems. Shapiro also says that he helped pay for an abortion after a UM player accidentally impregnated a stripper, The Daily Mail reports.

Maybe the question should now turn to what UM officials knew, or should have known. (Shapiro claims he also provided cash to UM staff.) And, what kind of punishment the NCAA might dole to UM's sports.

Will UM football get the "death penalty?" While that would be a drastic step, it is something that the NCAA might consider, especially due to the explosive nature of the University of Miami's scandal. As a convicted fraudster, Nevin Shapiro's words may not hold much weight, but they certainly are enough to make one curious as to what goes on behind closed doors at many of our beloved sports institutions.

Related Resources:

• Leading Off: Jailed Booster Imperils Miami Sports Programs (FindLaw)
• NCAA to Ohio State: Jim Tressel Lied to Hide Violations (FindLaw's Tarnished Twenty)
• Jim Tressel Suspended: Ohio State Football Scandal Hits Coach (FindLaw's Tarnished Twenty)