University Of Miami Football Program Accused Of Cheating

01/19/2025 10:09 AM

The University of Miami football program has been hit with cheating accusations this weekend.

Miami landed a big-time transfer out of the Big Ten this week. Xavier Lucas, a former Wisconsin Badgers cornerback, is transferring to the ACC school, despite never putting his name into the NCAA's transfer portal. Darren Heitner, who is representing Lucas, took to X to address his transfer.

He claims that Wisconsin denied him from putting his name into the NCAA's transfer portal.

"It's an MOU conditioned on approval of the House settlement (which has yet to receive final approval) and Xavier attending classes no later than Spring 2025 (he unenrolled from the Institution). Furthermore, he sought to enter his name into the Transfer Portal, but the Institution improperly denied his right to do so, which is a violation of NCAA rules (I wouldn't be surprised if the NCAA takes action for that). That notwithstanding, the Institution has not paid any monies to him and so he owes no reimbursement to the Institution. Wisconsin's done enough to ruin its reputation. Move on," he wrote.

It's an MOU conditioned on approval of the House settlement (which has yet to receive final approval) and Xavier attending classes no later than Spring 2025 (he unenrolled from the Institution). Furthermore, he sought to enter his name into the Transfer Portal, but the… https://t.co/XwIxNYF0wX

— Darren Heitner (@DarrenHeitner) January 18, 2025

Miami, though, is now being accused of tampering by the Wisconsin football program and the Big Ten.

Wisconsin says that it has "credible" proof that Miami tampered with Lucas.

"On December 2, 2024, Xavier and Wisconsin Athletics entered into a binding two-year NIL agreement reflecting his strong commitment to continuing with the Wisconsin football program," the statement read, in part. "We understand that he also executed a separate agreement with the Varsity Collective. His agreement with Wisconsin Athletics included substantial financial compensation for Xavier. Under the terms of the agreement between Xavier and Wisconsin Athletics, it remains in effect and enforceable. 

"Badger student-athletes who have signed these agreements expect Wisconsin Athletics to honor the terms. In turn, Wisconsin Athletics relies on the student-athlete representations in signing these agreements that they will do the same. A request to enter the transfer portal after entering into such an agreement is inconsistent with the representations and mutual understanding of the agreement and explains the reason for not processing a transfer portal request under these circumstances.

"Under the transfer provision used by Xavier this past week, any contact between a student-athlete enrolled at one institution and the football program to which they are transferring is prohibited per NCAA rules. We have credible information indicating impermissible contact between Xavier and University of Miami football program personnel prior to Xavier's request to enter the transfer portal. Direct interference with another institution's committed player and contractual interests is prohibited by NCAA tampering rules and the law."

The Big Ten is showing support for Wisconsin, too, as the conference released its own statement.

"The Big Ten Conference stands in full support of the University of Wisconsin regarding the contractual agreement between student-athlete Xavier Lucas and the Wisconsin football program," the statement read. "As student-athletes became active participants in revenue sharing, it is critical that agreed-to obligations be respected, honored, and enforced. In light of current laws and association rules, information suggesting tampering and contract interference in this case by the University of Miami is very troubling.

"These actions undermine the efforts of its own conference as the ACC continues its collaboration with the other A4 conferences in developing a sustainable framework for college sports. This situation is just the latest example of the critical need for substantive governance reform."