Hurricanes lose DE Al-Quadin Muhammad for year due to suspension
CORAL GABLES, Fla. (AP) -- Miami defensive end Al-Quadin Muhammad will not play football for the Hurricanes this season, after his suspension from the university for a disciplinary matter was revealed Friday.
As a private school and citing federal laws about protecting students' personal information, Miami officials did not disclose any specific reasons for the suspension. However, police records show that Muhammad was alleged to have struck a former Miami student and roommate three times in an altercation after the Hurricanes' spring game on April 12.
The incident was reported to police five days after that game as an aggravated battery and referred to the State Attorney's Office for further review, though court records do not show any charges ever being filed.
The Hurricanes did not play Muhammad in either of their first two games this season -- a deliberate decision given his uncertain status with the university. If Muhammad had appeared even for a single play, he would have lost a full year of eligibility.
Muhammad was allowed to practice while university officials worked through their decision-making process.
"He's sorely missed," Miami coach Al Golden said earlier this week. "He's a great kid. He's one of our leaders. He's a competitor. So, again, it's a difficult situation."
A university spokeswoman only confirmed Friday that Muhammad is no longer enrolled for the fall semester. Miami defines such a suspension as a "complete separation from the university."
Muhammad cannot attend classes until the suspension is lifted after the fall term. He had eight tackles and two sacks in 13 games last season.
The native of Irvington, New Jersey, was a highly regarded recruit from perennial high school power Don Bosco Prep.
