Ray-Ray Armstrong Declared Ineligible

Oct, 15, 2011; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Miami Hurricanes defensive back Ray-Ray Armstrong (26) before the game at Kenan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-US PRESSWIRE

Former UM S Ray-Ray Armstrong has been declared ineligible by the NAIA, the clearinghouse for the NCAA.  Armstrong, who was planning to enroll at Faulkner University, played three years at Miami before being dismissed by head coach Al Golden.

According to Inside The U, “Armstrong, thought to be one of the top safeties entering next year’s NFL draft, arrived at Faulkner in mid-August and began practicing with the Eagles immediately, awaiting word on his eligibility status from the NAIA.  A 3.0 student and just one class shy of earning a degree in sports management, the talented defensive back was declared ineligible by Miami in July for a violation of NCAA by-law 10.1, with the compliance office stating that he had been dishonest during an internal investigation.”

Miami, did however respond to a request by Faulkner University to to have Armstrong’s NCAA eligibility reinstated but was told that because Armstrong is no longer a student at Miami, it didn’t have “standing” with him.  “According to the NAIA Eligibility Center, “banned” equates to “ineligible” in the above mentioned by-law and since Armstrong’s eligibility was not reinstated by the NCAA he therefore remains ineligible in the eyes of the NAIA.”

Armstrong was suspended for multiple games during the 2011 season for receiving illegal benefits during his recruiting process with Miami.  After Armstrong’s latest incident, the university decided to cut ties with him and did so without filing an eligibility reinstatement request with the NCAA.

It is a shame to think what Armstrong could have accomplished in his senior year at Miami.  The ‘Canes are thin at safety and could have certainly used his leadership.

Best of luck to him wherever he lands.