AP Sports Writer


CORAL GABLES (AP) — Miami is not going to a bowl this season, self-imposing a ban that school officials say was “necessary” in response to an ongoing NCAA investigation into the university's compliance practices.

Players were informed Sunday that Friday's game against Boston College will be the last this season, even though the Hurricanes have enough wins to qualify for a postseason appearance. By self-imposing a ban, Miami is trying to lessen the impact of whatever sanctions the NCAA hands down once its investigation ends.

“I'm clearly disappointed,” said Miami coach Al Golden, who, university officials said, was not involved in the choice to go forward with the ban. “I believe it's the right decision and I'm 100 percent behind the decision. … We're one step closer to putting these issues behind us.”

Golden said athletics director Shawn Eichorst and university president Donna Shalala made the decision, although a statement from the university said it was done through consultation with “university leaders, athletic administrators and outside counsel.” The NCAA and the Atlantic Coast Conference were informed.

“It is a necessary step for our university,” Miami's statement read.

Miami is not self-imposing any other penalties, including a reduction in scholarships, at this time. Golden said he is not “privy to” any information that Shalala and Eichorst used during the process of trying to decide whether going to a bowl would be a wise move.

“Based on what I know, which is very little, I'm very positive about the direction we're going in,” Golden said.

When players were told of the decision, they took the news rather hard, Golden said. Miami became bowl eligible on Saturday, beating South Florida 6-3 for its sixth win of the season. Afterwards, players like quarterback Jacory Harris and center Tyler Horn both spoke about how excited they were to have a chance to reach a bowl.