A source close to the team has confirmed to ESPN.com's Heather Dinich that Miami has declared a number of its football players ineligible until they are reinstated by the NCAA.

Miami's internal investigation has determined some players, including quarterback Jacory Harris, are believed to have committed NCAA violations by associating with booster Nevin Shapiro and have been declared ineligible. However, being declared ineligible now does not necessarily mean a player would miss any time this season.

Under NCAA rules, when a school finds violations have occurred, the athlete typically is declared ineligible and the NCAA begins a reinstatement process. The NCAA will also decide if that player needs to miss any games.

Jacory Harris
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University officials haven't commented publicly on the specifics of the process. Miami President Donna Shalala said this week that 15 student-athletes -- she did not specify names or teams -- were being investigated by university compliance personnel. Shapiro told Yahoo Sports that he provided benefits to 72 athletes, 65 of whom played football for Miami. Of those, 12 are current football players, and one is a member of the men's basketball team.

Shapiro is a convicted Ponzi scheme architect serving a 20-year prison sentence for bilking $930 million from investors, and his claims have cast a long shadow over Miami's season before it even begins.

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