The NCAA needs to re-evaluate how it hands out sanctions to players after ruling Miami Hurricanes’ junior center Dewan Hernandez had to sit out the rest of this season and part of next season for receiving improper benefits. Hernandez reacted by leaving school and will declare for this year’s NBA draft.
According to the facts of the case, Hernandez agreed to receive monthly payments and other benefits from Christian Dawkins, who worked as a runner for NBA agent Andy Miller but was looking to start his own agency and was one of the three defendants found guilty of fraud in the October trial of college basketball corruption. According to guidelines adopted by the NCAA membership, the starting point for these violations is permanent ineligibility, but the staff recognized mitigating circumstances.
But interestingly, Hernandez was one of 19 players listed by Dawkins in an emailed business plan. The plan shows Dawkins planned to pay Hawkins $500 per month from Sept. 2017 through Jan. 2018, then $1,000 per month until April 18. If Hernandez had declared for the draft after last season, he wouldn’t have had to pay the money back. The payments would have been converted to a loan if Hernandez returns for his junior season.
There was no evidence in the email the payments were made or that Hernandez had any knowledge of the plan. ESPN later learned the total amount of benefits was under $500 for a hotel room. Last year NCAA players were cleared in a day.
Miami officials withheld Hernandez, a five-star prospect two years ago, from games this season while the NCAA reviewed a report that he had been linked to a potential agent with allegations of receiving improper benefits. His appeal to the Legislative Committee was turned down two weeks ago.
There was no evidence in the email the payments were made or that Hernandez had any knowledge of the plan. ESPN later learned the total amount of benefits was under $500 for a hotel room. Last year NCAA players were cleared in a day.
“I do not understand why other individuals that were implicated continue to compete, while I am being punished,’’ he said. “I have sat out 19 games. . . Why me?’’
Miami is 9-10 and is in the midst of its worst season since 2006. Hernandez, who averaged 11.4 points and 6.7 rebounds, was the Canes’ best big man. The penalty here seems harsh.
