Mike Shula not interested in Hurricanes job as search continues

By: Andy Slater (@AndySlater)

Mike Shula is currently not interested in the Miami Hurricanes head coaching job, I've learned from multiple sources.

Within the last few days, a conversation took place between Shula and someone with University of Miami ties --- where Shula said he was not interested. Due to the sensitive information, the name of the person who spoke with Shula was not given to me. 

Shula is the offensive coordinator for the Carolina Panthers. The fact the Panthers are one of the NFL's best teams so far in 2015 may have something to do with Shula's current lack of interest. 

On Saturday, a spokesman for the Panthers told me he had "heard nothing" about a conversation. The University of Miami on Sunday said they had no comment. 

The Miami Herald's Barry Jackson last month named Shula as a potential candidate. 

While former Hurricanes players have taken steps to have a say in who the next head coach will be, as I previously reported, multiple sources tell me Board of Trustees member Paul DiMare is one of the main people that makes decisions with Miami's athletic director Blake James.

DiMare and his wife Swanee have been big supporters of the University of Miami. The couple has given millions of dollars to various programs and initiatives, including a recent $12.5 million pledge to a school campaign. Their son, Gino, is set to take over for Hurricanes baseball coach Jim Morris when he retires after the 2018 season. 

Paul DiMare was asked to comment about his involvement with athletic decisions, but has yet to respond to the request.

(Photo Credit: Panthers.com) 

Duke Johnson was kicked out of Sun Life Stadium before backpack issue

By: Andy Slater (@AndySlater)

Duke Johnson was kicked out of Sun Life Stadium on Saturday afternoon and then wasn't let back in later because he was wearing a backpack. 

Johnson was on the Miami Hurricanes sideline as the team warmed up for their game Saturday against Virginia. In fact, Johnson came out through the tunnel pre-game with the Canes. 

While Johnson was on the sideline during warmups, I'm told stadium security approached Johnson and asked him who he was and what he was doing there. Johnson then informed the event staff personnel of his name. Johnson wanted security to speak with one of the coaches on the field, since they would obviously know him. Instead, I'm told the event staff personnel decided to ask a girl standing nearby if she knew Johnson. The girl, believed to be a University of Miami employee, didn't know and Johnson was then informed he would have to leave or be arrested for trespassing. 

Johnson left the field area telling security he has credentials somewhere in the stadium that were left for him. After proceeding to two gates outside of the actual stadium, Johnson picked up his credential and went to re-enter the facility, I'm told. At that time, event staff personnel let Johnson know he could not enter with a backpack. He explained to security he was already inside with it. Johnson instead of returning his backpack to his vehicle decided to call it a day and leave the area.

On Twitter, Johnson took the high road and said he thinks it was a "misunderstanding of the stadium staff."

Johnson is in Miami after his NFL team, the Cleveland Browns, played on Thursday night. He plans on sitting courtside for the Miami Heat game on Sunday at AmericanAirlines Arena.

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Former Hurricanes players held conference call

By: @AndySlater

Former Hurricanes football players held a conference call on Thursday to discuss a possible role in helping the University of Miami select the next head coach, according to sources close to the situation.

Multiple former 'Canes were on the call including Bryant McKinnie, Edgerrin James, and Jonathan Vilma. I'm told Vilma is acting as the voice of the group. 

Among the former players that were part of Thursday's discussion, their goal is to have one or two seats on any committee that may be set up by Miami athletic director Blake James to select the Hurricanes next head coach. 

It's unclear how the former players who were included on the conference call were actually selected. 

When asked to confirm the conversation happened, McKinnie on Saturday afternoon told me "it took place" but provided no other details.

James and Vilma were unable to be reached for comment.

(Photo Credit: Hurricanesports.com)

Charges against former Canes DT Wyche dismissed

By: @AndySlater

(Updated: Nov. 18, 2016 - Charges against Michael Wyche were dismissed, Miami-Dade County court records show)

Statement by Wyche: 

I apologize to every kid that looked up to me. I allowed myself to be put in a situation to be misinterpreted. I'm happy the truth finally came to light. I'm extremely aware of the magnitude of domestic violence, which I've never committed in my life. I've never been that type of person if anyone truly knows me. I just appreciate everyone, my family, friends, and most importantly my fans that stuck by me. I'm happy I get a chance to continue playing the game that saved my life from the streets.

Original story below:

Miami Hurricanes DT Michael Wyche was arrested and booked into jail early Wednesday morning as the Palm Beach Post's Matt Porter first reported.

According to police, Wyche and his girlfriend allegedly got into an argument over sleeping arrangements. The argument escalated to a point where Wyche allegedly pushed his girlfriend and threw her onto a bed several times. 

Wyche's girlfriend told police that he also threw her against the wall, one of the times so hard she hit the back of her head. 

Police said Wyche's girlfriend had a bloody lip and torn clothing. She was treated at the scene. 

Wyche and his girlfriend have had a relationship for about five years, according to police. They also have a child. 

Wyche was being held on a misdemeanor, domestic violence charge.  

The Miami Hurricanes said Wyche has been suspended indefinitely following the arrest.