Webster Declared Ineligible

March 2, 2000

CORAL GABLES, FL – University of Miami Head Football Coach Butch Davis announced this afternoon that University of Miami linebacker Nate Webster has been declared ineligible by the NCAA and will have to forego his senior season of eligibility.

Davis stated, “We have received final disapproval from the NCAA that takes away Nate Webster’s eligibility. It’s really a very tragic situation. Nate made a mistake, but the mistake that he made did not hurt anybody. There were no agents and there was no money exchanged. It just seems like the penalty is considerably more severe than the infraction.”

A two-time First-Team All-BIG EAST selection at linebacker, Webster was also a Sporting News, Football News, and Associated Press Second-Team All-American this past season. He was also a semi-finalist for both the Bronco Nagurski Award, which is given to the nation’s best overall defensive player, and the Football News National Defensive Player of the Year. Webster led the Hurricanes in both tackles (150) and tackles for a loss (19) during the 1999 campaign. During his career at Miami, Webster recorded 301 tackles, 178 of which were solo, 31 tackles for a loss, seven sacks, and forced seven fumbles, while starting 22 of the 28 games he appeared in during his three years.

“I’m disappointed, I really wanted to stay and have another season with my teammates and get my education. Unfortunately it didn’t work out that way, so I have to look ahead and take on whatever comes next,” said Webster.