Hanna and Haley Cavinder issued a pointed statement to the NCAA on Saturday on the heels of a landmark infractions ruling in a case involving the Miami guards and team booster John Ruiz.
The popular 22-year-old twins spent the last several months at the center of an investigation that ultimately led to the NCAA’s first NIL-related infractions ruling on Friday. Less than 24 hours after the announcement, Haley, Miami’s current leading scorer, took to Twitter to share a response to the NCAA over its ruling.
“Dear ncaa, scared that female athletes have value? let’s hoop tho.. #GoCanes @CavinderHanna,” she wrote. The tweet also included a video with the twins along with the caption, “BFFR NCAA..”
Note: The song used in their video, “Look at Me Now” by Chris Brown, contains explicit language.
Friday’s news marked the end of a nearly year-long saga that began after the Cavinder Twins transferred from Fresno State to Miami following their junior seasons last April. During their time in the transfer portal, Hanna and Haley met with Ruiz at his home for dinner, a meeting that was later found to have been arranged by Hurricanes coach Katie Meier.
As a result of the meal with Ruiz, the NCAA posed several sanctions against the Miami women’s basketball program for improper contact and inducements. Meier was previously handed a three-game suspension, which she served at the start of the season, as part of a “negotiated resolution” between the school and NCAA. The Cavinder Twins and Ruiz avoided punishment from the NCAA.
Entering Saturday, Miami (17–11) is currently tied for sixth place in the ACC, and are 10–7 record in conference play.
