Baba Miller receives 16-game NCAA suspension for travel benefits / News - Basketnews.com

Baba Miller was suspended for half a season for receiving financial aid to travel to the United States and back before committing to Florida State.

Credit: Florida State Seminoles Credit Florida State Seminoles

After leaving Real Madrid this summer to start his career in the NCAA with the Florida State Seminoles, Baba Miller will have to wait for a significant amount of time to make his official start.

The 2.11-meter forward received a 16-game suspension from the NCAA for receiving travel benefits. Prior to his commitment to the university, the 18-year-old flew from his native country of Spain to the United States and back to attend a training camp, an expense that was paid for by the school.

The total amount Miller received was around 3,000 dollars, including the flight, hotel, training, and meals. The player and his family have paid the amount back upon learning about the relevant NCAA rules.

According to the rules, student-athletes, as they are called, are not allowed to receive financial benefits of any kind that would persuade them to join a particular school.

The 16-game suspension will rule Miller out for half the season. The forward's official debut is expected to be against Wake Forest on January 11th.

With the recent passing of the Name, Image, and Likeness law, the half-a-season punishment seems extensive, Florida State's athletic director Michael Alford claims.

"I am very disappointed with the committee's decision based on the facts presented," he said in a statement. "The decision seems disproportionate and inconsistent in today's modern environment. It's unfortunate that Baba will have to endure this penalty."

In an exhibition game prior to the announcement, Baba Miller scored 11 points and 7 rebounds against Newberry College.

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