12 University of Miami Hurricane football players who accepted extra benefits will play again

CORAL GABLES, Fla. (AP) -- Quarterback Jacory Harris and 11 other Miami football players who accepted extra benefits from the former booster Nevin Shapiro received the first N.C.A.A. sanctions in a scandal that continues to overshadow the Hurricanes. But they will be allowed to play again.

In all, 12 players must pay some restitution. Of those, eight will miss at least one game.

The harshest penalties handed down Tuesday were reserved for those who took gifts from Shapiro while being recruited. Defensive lineman Olivier Vernon will sit out six games, and Ray Ray Armstrong — considered among the nation’s top safeties — and tight end Dyron Dye will miss four games apiece.

“I think it was probably fair,” Miami Coach Al Golden said. “Clearly, whatever transpired, it wasn’t as over the top as everybody was initially reporting and all of those things. The N.C.A.A. and the university felt there was mistakes made, and I’ve accepted that. And now we’re moving forward.”

Miami, which opens its season Monday night at Maryland, still could face many more sanctions as the N.C.A.A.’s investigation into the Hurricanes’ compliance practices continues.

Harris, Sean Spence, Travis Benjamin, Marcus Forston and Adewale Ojomo — all of whom were likely starters — must sit out one game and make restitution for accepting benefits after enrolling at the university. Four other players must repay small amounts, all less than $100, but will not miss any games.

“They understand that their actions demand consequences,” Miami Athletic Director Shawn Eichorst said.