Covington Fails to Win Release From Scholarship

A University of Miami committee has refused to release quarterback Scott Covington from his scholarship, Mark Covington, his father, said Wednesday.

Covington, a redshirt freshman who played at Dana Hills, announced in January that he wanted to leave the school, but Athletic Director Paul Dee had rejected his request for a release from his scholarship. Covington was informed Tuesday that a three-member athletic financial aid committee had turned down his appeal.

“The committee decided that Scott had too many good opportunities to give him a release,” Mark Covington said. “We expected this decision and were prepared to do what we had to do.”

An appeal to the NCAA would be the next step.

Coaches from other schools are not allowed to contact Covington until he is released from his scholarship. He can still transfer, but he would not be eligible for a scholarship immediately.

Miami can offer only 13 scholarships this year because of NCAA sanctions. Covington and Ryan Clement are the only two quarterbacks on the roster. Steve Kelly, from Burleson, Texas, has committed to Miami.

Dee and Coach Butch Davis have pushed Covington to attend spring practice, which begins March 5. Covington would prefer participate in spring practice at another school.

Covington said Miami coaches were not upfront about his chances to play last season. Covington and Clement backed up starter Ryan Collins, but it was Clement who got the most playing time after Collins was injured. Covington completed 22 of 43 passes for 324 yards and three touchdowns, but did not play in the Hurricanes’ final two games.