UM quarterback Robert Marve released from scholarship

CORAL GABLES - University of Miami quarterback Robert Marve was granted a release from his scholarship Tuesday, but his father said UM coach Randy Shannon has placed strict stipulations on his transfer.

Eugene Marve said UM will not allow his son to transfer to any schools in the Southeastern and Atlantic Coast Conferences or any schools in Florida.

"We don't quite know the rules or how to approach things, but we're going to challenge it," Eugene Marve said.

It's common for schools to release players from scholarships with certain restrictions, such as prohibiting a transfer to a league or future opponent. UM spokesman Mark Pray said Marve will have opportunity for an appeal, but the committee is outside the school's athletic department.

A redshirt freshman, Marve started 11 games this season but split time with freshman Jacory Harris. Marve completed 116 of 213 passes for 1,293 yards with nine touchdowns and 13 interceptions. Marve did not return phone messages, but his father said he and Shannon had a rocky relationship.

"This is just another part of his ruthlessness this guy has towards my son," said Eugene Marve, a former NFL linebacker. "It dates all the way back to last summer when there was no relationship when he wouldn't even speak to Robert or encourage him. The non-respect and non-trust led to him wanting to leave. He didn't respect or trust coach Shannon."

Shannon expressed his support for Marve during a press conference on Sunday, saying he wanted him to remain with the Hurricanes. He declined comment on Tuesday, but did release a statement through the athletic department.

"When Eugene Marve speaks he has Robert's welfare in mind, which all fathers should," Shannon said. "I have respect for Robert and wish him nothing but success in the future."

Marve, a former Mr. Football in Florida, was plagued with issues throughout his two-year stay at UM. He was injured in a car accident while driving to campus in 2007, causing him to redshirt his freshman season. He was named the starter last preseason, but missed the season-opener to serve a suspension for an arrest the previous season. Marve was charged with a misdemeanor for allegedly breaking a car rearview mirror.

He finally made his much-anticipated first appearance the second game of the season against Florida. He played well enough to keep the Hurricanes within six points entering the fourth quarter before losing 26-3. He followed that with another solid performance against Texas A & M, but never became the full-time starter.

Shannon, who said he wanted to build depth at the position because of the youth, continued using both quarterbacks throughout the season. Marve and Harris took turns leading the team to victories that eventually put the Hurricanes back in the Top 25 for the first time since 2006.

The end for Marve came after the regular season concluded. After the Hurricanes secured a berth in the Emerald Bowl, he was suspended again, this time for academic reasons. Harris played the entire way in last Saturday's 24-17 loss to California, completing 25 of 41 passes for 192 yards with two touchdowns and an interception. Three days after the game, Shannon told WQAM Tuesday morning Harris would be the starter entering the spring.

Eugene Marve refused to comment on where his son was considering transferring, but did say the stipulations would affect his decision.

"He's trying to make it difficult for us, and I just don't think that's fair," Eugene Marve said

As reported on sunsentinel.com
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/college/hurricanes/sfl-1230umqb,0,4195819.story