Hurricane Football Team Faces School Investigation

The University of Miami appointed a committee Friday to investigate criminal allegations and possible National Collegiate Athletic Assn. violations concerning the Hurricane football team.

There have been allegations of misconduct since July. The most recent problem involving the football program was a disturbance at the football dormitory Sept. 24, three days before the Hurricanes assured their No. 1 ranking with a 28-16 victory over Oklahoma.

Last summer, linebacker George Mira Jr. was arrested for unruly behavior and resisting arrest following a dispute with a girlfriend. All but a misdemeanor charge of battery were dropped.

Recently, 34 players and several other students were charged with illegally using a long-distance telephone access code to make up to $28,000 in calls.

And running back Melvin Bratton was charged with petty theft for allegedly shoplifting a $20 pair of sunglasses from a department store in July.

Four players have been accused of using cars either leased from or by agents. Three were cleared by a university investigation, and linebacker Winston Moss was suspended for one game.