Lawyer criticizes Miami's dismissal of LB Jermaine Grace

The lawyer for former Miami linebacker, who was dismissed on Saturday, told the Washington Post his client was a victim of the university’s attempt to “cover their own asses.”

Grace and defensive end Al-Quadin Muhammad were dismissed from the program for a violation of team rules, according to a school statement. But both were at the center of a Miami investigation into whether players took discounted cars from South Beach Exotic Rentals in exchange for a future stake in their careers. According to Grace’s lawyer, Steven L. Washington, Grace’s uncle rented a luxury car from South Beach Exotic Rentals when Grace, now a senior, was a freshman. He gave the car to his nephew so he could take his then-girlfriend, who was in high school, to prom.

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Grace provided the university documentation of the rental and the event as well as documentation to prove his uncle was who he said he was. Even the owner for South Beach Exotic Rentals, Juan Caballero, told the Miami Herald he had provided documents to Miami that would “exonerate” Grace. Still, the university felt there was enough evidence to rule Grace had violated the rules and dismiss him from the program.

“It’s shady [expletive],” Washington told the Washington Post. “I could see if they’ve got him dead to rights, a picture of him in a car. … I hate the way they treated him.

“There are other universities out there where kids are caught with weed and guns, and they’re still on the team. They gave Jermaine the death penalty over this.”

Miami said in a statement it would still pay for Grace and Muhammad’s education until they graduate. Both players could transfer to FCS schools and play immediately. Washington said his client is still undecided about his future.

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“The thing that really blows my mind, a recruiter for the university comes to a parents’ home and says, ‘We’re going to take care of your child, it’s going to be their home away from home.’ And then, when some bogus allegation arises, you throw them under the bus,” Washington said. “It’s seriously beyond me.”

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Graham Watson is the editor of Dr. Saturday on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email her at dr.saturday@ymail.com or follow her on Twitter! Follow @YahooDrSaturday