Watch CBS News

NCAA Investigator Wrote Letter To Shapiro's Judge

CORAL GABLES (CBSMiami) – One of the lead investigators on the NCAA's case against the University of Miami told a federal judge that the collegiate governing body may use "Mr. (Nevin) Shapiro in the future as a consultant."

According to the Associated Press, the claim came in a letter written by Ameen Najjar to U.S. District Judge Susan Wigenton just days before Shapiro was to be sentenced for his nearly $1 billion Ponzi scheme.

Najjar told Judge Wigenton that Shapiro had assisted the NCAA with investigations involving a number of schools. Najjar is no longer with the NCAA.

The NCAA's investigation into the University of Miami has been plagued with problems nearly from the start. The NCAA confessed to obtaining evidence in the investigation outside of the rules of the association.

The investigation into the University of Miami has had four internal and external investigations trying to firm up the NCAA's case against the Hurricanes.

Shapiro has been the central figure in the NCAA's case against UM, His initial accusations against the school in a Yahoo! Sports article started the NCAA's investigation into problems with impermissible benefits.

However, some of Shapiro's biggest claims, like he spent millions on UM players have proven unsubstantiated, according to the Associated Press. Shapiro was sentenced to 20 years in prison for masterminding his Ponzi scheme.

(TM and © Copyright 2013 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2013 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.