School Starts At UM As Scandal Grows
MIAMI (CBSMiami.com) – As the dark cloud that is the Nevin Shapiro scandal wraps itself around the Miami Hurricanes football program; the first day of class saw some students wearing orange to show their solidarity to overcome the scandal.
Student government President Brandon Mitchell hoped it would be a good way to start classes.
"I think it's important with the difficult situation that we have going on," said Mitchell. "I think it's important that students show the country and the world, regardless of what the allegations are, regardless of how it turns out, we still support our team."
Former UM booster turned federal convict Nevin Shapiro sits at the heart of the controversy. From behind bars, he said he's blowing the whistle to the NCAA. Sharpiro said he lavished as many as 72 players with gifts such as use of his yacht to prostitutes.
"I hope whatever the truth is actually does come out in the end," said new freshman Brandon Wood. He came to school dressed in an orange Canes T-Shirt with matching orange sneakers. "Wearing orange, it's simple," he said. "But it shows that tie, that communion."
While many students said they are not sure what to make of the football scandal. Most believe it's important to show school spirit in a time of controversy.
"I've always felt like the University of Miami is a family," said Daniel Lopez, a student. "I kinda feel like we all come together and have a bond and I felt like we started out with a scandal. But we've grown stronger throughout it as a community."
In an email to all students, Mitchell implored everyone to show their solidarity.
"When the TV cameras pan at the football games, they pan to us." said Mitchell's email. "When the country wants to know how a school is handling a situation, they look to us. We need to show everyone that our family is as strong as it's ever been and it is a bond that is forever growing stronger."
