Blake James Sheds Interim From Athletic Director Job
MIAMI (CBSMiami) – The University of Miami announced Friday that interim athletic director Blake James has been named to the job permanently.
James has been with the school for three years and has been charge of the athletic department since October 2012. James is overseeing 17 different sports and more than 400 student-athletes at the school.
"Blake James has proven that he has the experience, skills, leadership, and especially the love for the University that we need in athletics," UM president Donna Shalala said in a statement.
UM's two bellwether programs, men's basketball and football, have been at the center of a lengthy NCAA investigation after former booster Nevin Shapiro alleged wrongdoing amongst students and coaches at the school.
The NCAA is set to release the notice of allegations against the school possibly as soon as just a few weeks. The NOA was delayed while the NCAA hired an external firm to investigate the methods used by investigators looking at UM's alleged violations.
The external firm's report is set to be released by the end of next week at the latest and the NCAA has previously said the NOA for UM and coaches will be coming soon thereafter.
James will have the task of helping the school navigate whatever penalties the NCAA may hit the program with this year.
On the other hand, the program's men's basketball team is poised to make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament in 2013.
