The story begins with the following statement: "The NCAA sent a message on Friday by issuing its first ever ruling in an NIL infractions case ..." Considering the punishment meted out by the NCAA was to have the Miami WBB coach sit out the first 3 games of the season, I would say the message the NCAA sent out is that they are going to continue to be hopelessly ineffective and inept in dealing with NIL violations.
This situation came about because Miami let one of its big boosters, John Ruiz, who is an attorney and businessman and CEO of UM's NIL collective, LifeWallet, do something that was a clear violation of NCAA rules, without any repercussions. Miami knew of the violation and simply looked the other way. If the NCAA had really wanted to "send a message," it would have forced UM to cut off Ruiz's access to the UM athletic department for a period of time, but that would have prompted a lawsuit from Ruiz, and the last thing the NCAA wants is a lawsuit, especially from a big shot booster and lawyer who would likely be a very aggressive litigator.
Of course this story begs the real question: Why is the NCAA searching for NIL violations in the WBB's game when everyone knows the real NIL violations are occurring with CFB?
www.cbssports.com
