Miami boots Grace, Muhammad for NCAA violation

Miami has dismissed linebacker Jermaine Grace and defensive end Al-Quadin Muhammad for violating NCAA rules.

Both players had been serving team-issued indefinite suspensions while the program reportedly investigated their impermissible involvement with a luxury car-rental agency. The investigation recently expanded to include top wide receiver Stacy Coley, according to reports, though he remains an active member of the roster.

In a statement, Miami explained the dismissals of Grace and Muhammad, noting the school will continue to provide the pair financial aid through their graduations, and that the program won't face NCAA sanctions for their transgressions:

The University of Miami announced today that red-shirt junior Al-Quadin Muhammad and senior Jermaine Grace have been permanently dismissed from the Hurricanes football program for violating NCAA rules. The University will, however, continue their financial aid through graduation. The decision was made in consultation with outside counsel and after discussions with the NCAA enforcement staff. As no staff members or boosters were involved in the violations, the program will not be subject to sanctions and, at this time, the University deems this matter closed.

Although the status of both players had been in jeopardy for a while, the permanent loss of each will still hurt Miami in the long haul. Grace and Muhammad both enjoyed breakout seasons last year, with the former starting 10 games and notching a team-high 79 tackles, and the latter starting seven games, making 54 tackles and five sacks.

Linebacker Juwon Young, who was also suspended during the investigation, transferred to Marshall last week.