Miami sophomore defensive end Al-Quadin Muhammad, who would've played a key role for the Hurricanes this season, has been suspended by the school for the fall semester.
The Associated Press reported that Muhammad was suspended by the school for off-field conduct, and the Miami Herald reported that it was because of a confrontation between Muhammad and his former roommate that left the roommate with a broken nose.
The Herald also reported that "The UM football staff isn't happy with this decision, which was made above the athletic department."
Muhammad (6-foot-4, 242 pounds), who played in all 13 games last season as a true freshman and had eight tackles and two sacks, did not play in the first two games of the season, but Hurricanes coach Al Golden never was specific about why Muhammad didn't play. Since he did not play, he will not lose a year of eligibility.
Muhammad is barred from attending classes during the fall semester, but he'll be allowed to return to the school for the spring semester and will once again be eligible to play football if he returns.
Junior Tyriq McCord and true freshman Trent Harris have manned the rush end position in the first two games and are expected to do so for the rest of the season.
Muhammad's pass-rush skills would've been a valuable commodity for a UM defense that has struggled to get consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks the past few seasons. The Hurricanes haven't had a player with more than five sacks since 2010, and the team leader in each of the past two seasons managed just four. UM (1-1) does have seven sacks through two games this season, though, and linebacker Thurston Armbrister already has three.
Mike Huguenin can be reached at mike.huguenin@nfl.com. You also can follow him on Twitter @MikeHuguenin.