Saturday September 30, 2023

Despite NIL Drama, Cavinder Twins Partake In NCAA Tournament History

  • Less than a month ago, the NCAA handed down its first NIL-related infraction to Miami women’s basketball.
  • But the Cavinder twins, the subject of the investigation, were part of Miami's stunning win on Monday.
University of Miami Women’s Basketball
Front Office Sports Today

Donovan McNabb and the State of Football

From Taylor Swift to the Prime Effect, there's a lot going on in the world of football.
Listen Now
September 29, 2023 | Podcast
Linkedin
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

Over the past month, Miami women’s basketball players Haley and Hanna Cavinder have been at the center of multiple name, image, and likeness controversies.

But that off-court drama didn’t stop the No. 9 Miami Hurricanes from pulling off a historic 70-68 upset of No. 1 seed Indiana in the women’s tournament on Monday night — with the twins’ help.

Last April, the Cavinder twins announced they would transfer to Miami from Fresno State University. 

At the time, the twins told Front Office Sports that NIL opportunities at Miami had “nothing” to do with their decision to transfer. Their main goal was to earn an NCAA tournament berth.

But the NCAA wasn’t convinced. The Cavinders, with an estimated earning potential of $790,000 each, chose a school with one of the most high-profile NIL boosters, businessman John Ruiz. They inked a deal with his company shortly after committing and publicized it on social media.

The governing body decided to investigate — and after several months, it announced that it had punished Miami for rules violations it discovered while investigating the twins’ NIL deal.

But the NCAA wasn’t able to prove much. 

The report said head coach Katie Meier had “inappropriate” involvement in setting up a meeting between the twins and Ruiz. The NCAA also found that Ruiz had provided them an “impermissible benefit”: a free meal, not an NIL deal.

Meier was suspended for three games at the beginning of the season, and the team received a fine and sanctions that amounted to a slap on the wrist. The twins were not punished. Ruiz was not asked to disassociate from the program. 

  • Meier called it an “inadvertent mistake” in a statement to FOS, noting her involvement in the Cavinders’ recruitment took place before the NCAA published “clarifications” on coach and booster involvement in NIL deals. 
  • The twins then released a video poking fun at the NCAA for their infraction. 
  • Ruiz told On3 that he intended to file a lawsuit against the NCAA.

The NCAA’s investigation wasn’t the only controversy the twins have faced related to NIL. 

Shortly before Monday night’s win, they posted that they had inked a partnership with an artificial intelligence company called Caktus AI — the same company that caused uproar over a deal with LSU gymnast Olivia Dunne. The company was built as an AI writing tool, prompting accusations that the athletes were promoting a company that could help students plagiarize assignments.

But a few hours later, Haley Cavinder, who led the team in scoring this season, drilled two free throws with 12 seconds left to give the Hurricanes a three-point lead. Upon making the second free throw, she shushed the Indiana crowd and then waved. Cavinder finished with nine points and eight rebounds.

The Hoosiers came back to tie the game after a stepback three from freshman Yarden Garzon with eight seconds left, but Hurricanes forward Destiny Harden rolled in a jumper in the lane with three seconds left to secure the win.

Coupled with Ole Miss’ win over Stanford, this year marks the first time since 1998 that multiple 1-seeds lost before the Sweet 16.

Linkedin
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

College football is taking over Saturday night.

How College Football’s Biggest Games Took Over Saturday Night

Network competition and West Coast storylines helped college football stage a coup.

Ryder Cup’s Future Hanging In The Balance Amid Saudi Disruption

An unexpected change could be coming to the Ryder Cup.
Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi following the victory against Los Angeles FC at BMO Stadium.

Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami Jersey Headlines 2023 MLS Sales

Messi had MLS’ top-selling jersey in his first season.

Colorado Has Become the Hollywood of College Football. This Weekend Proves It.

Folsom Field will welcome dozens of Hollywood stars on Saturday.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

Donovan McNabb and the State of Football

0:00
0:00

Featured Today

Toy Story

‘Toy Story’ Success Could Lead to More Disney-Branded NFL Kid-Casts

A successful ‘Toy Story’ game could open the door for other franchises.
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce on field after the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
September 29, 2023

Taylor Swift Shaking Up Travis Kelce, Chiefs Prop Betting Market

Sportsbooks are capitalizing with Taylor Swift-themed prop bets.
Taylor Swift reacts while sitting next to Donna Kelce watching the Kansas City Chiefs vs Chicago Bears game during the first half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
September 28, 2023

Taylor Swift Is Affecting The NFL, Chiefs Ticket Markets

Swift will visit her second NFL stadium in as many weeks.
BioSteel
September 28, 2023

BioSteel Bankruptcy Shows Perils of Costly Sports Partnerships

BioSteel spent heavily on partnerships deals before bankruptcy.

Careers

Powered By

Careers in Sports

Looking for a new job? Check out these featured listings and search for openings all over the world.
Chicago Cubs
Chicago
Fanatics
New York
Tri Star Sports and Entertainment Group, Inc.
USA - Multiple Locations

Big 12 Entries Boosting Tickets, Merch For New Members

BYU, Cincinnati, Houston, and UCF joined the Big 12 in July.
September 28, 2023

Prime Effect: Colorado Athletics Sponsorship Revenue Up 42%

The Coach Prime impact is hitting all areas of the athletic department.
Michigan State terminates Tucker's deal with cause amid sexual harassment allegations.
September 27, 2023

Michigan State's Firing of Mel Tucker Saves University $80M

MSU terminates deal with cause amid sexual harassment allegations.
September 27, 2023

AAC Commissioner Open To CFP Format Change, Just Not Yet

Mike Aresco is not ready to vote for CFP structure changes.
A general view of Reser Stadium before a game between Oregon State Beavers and UC Davis Aggies.
September 27, 2023

Oregon State Projects 44% Athletics Revenue Loss From Pac-12 Realignment

Oregon St. officials reveal the potentially dire effects of Pac-12 realignment.
September 23, 2023

Up Next For College Football Playoffs: More Change, Money, And ... Streaming?

Many changes are coming to the CFP when it expands to 12 teams.
Big-12
September 22, 2023

Texas, Oklahoma's Big 12 Exit Could Have Cost $60M More

The school's move to the SEC is costing about $100 million.
Tickets for Colorado’s upcoming road game against Oregon are more expensive than 14 of 16 Week 3 NFL matchups.
September 20, 2023

Deion Sanders' Impact Makes Tickets Pricier Than NFL Games

Colorado-Oregon tickets are pricier than most Week 3 NFL matchups.