Miami Received its Notice of Allegations

Tim Reynold's reported the story tonight.

Miami has finally received its notice of allegations from the NCAA, marking the end of just one step in what's already been a two-year probe of the athletic department.

The allegations arrived on Tuesday, according to a person familiar with the matter and who spoke with The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because neither the NCAA nor Miami authorized releasing any information publicly. The NCAA did not respond to a request for comment, and a Miami athletics spokesman said he had no knowledge of the letter's arrival.

Next up: The sanctions phase, where Miami's penalties will be decided. The Hurricanes have already self-imposed several sanctions, including sitting out two bowl games and a conference football championship game. Miami President Donna Shalala said Monday she believes those punishments should be enough.

Miami wants to get through the sanctions portion of the process as quickly as possible. But typically, it takes about three months for a hearing, and then can take several weeks - if not months - more for the penalties to be handed down. The sides coming to a settlement beforehand is another possibility.

Shalala/Miami released a statement tonight that was aggressive.

"We believe strongly in the principles and values of fairness and due process. However, we have been wronged in this investigation, and we believe that this process must come to a swift resolution, which includes no additional punitive measures beyond those already self-imposed.

She's correct, and the NCAA admitted as much already. Basically, Miami's position is the combination of living under a cloud for over 2 years, and self-imposed punishments, they've been penalized enough.

Then, this is where it gets good.

"In September 2010—two and a half years ago—the University of Miami advised the NCAA of allegations made by a convicted felon against former players and, at that time, we pledged our full cooperation with any investigation into the matter. One year later, in August 2011, when the NCAA's investigation into alleged rules violations was made public, I pledged we would 'vigorously pursue the truth, wherever that path may lead' and insisted upon 'complete, honest, and transparent cooperation with the NCAA from our staff and students.'

"The University of Miami has lived up to those promises, but sadly the NCAA has not lived up to their own core principles. The lengthy and already flawed investigation has demonstrated a disappointing pattern of unprofessional and unethical behavior. By the NCAA leadership's own admission, the University of Miami has suffered from inappropriate practices by NCAA staff. There have also been damaging leaks to the media of unproven charges. Regardless of where blame lies internally with the NCAA, even one individual, one act, one instance of malfeasance both taints the entire process and breaches the public's trust.

It's going to be interesting to say what additional punishments, if any the NCAA levies Miami with.

AP Source: Notice of allegations against Miami includes the dreaded "lack of institutional control" charge.— Tim Reynolds (@ByTimReynolds) February 20, 2013

NBC Miami's Courtney Fallon:

If I'm not mistaken, it's a sweeping charge. Encompasses multiple infractions, hinting at major penalties..... Potentially.— Courtney Fallon (@CourtneyNBC6) February 20, 2013

There's a lot of things to discuss here, and a lot more news to come. Do you guys think the NCAA's mishandling of this case should impact Miami's punishment? Do you think there should be any additional sanctions, if so, then what? Woud your opinion change if it was Tech (as far-fetched as that may seem) instead of Miami?