Braxton Miller will apparently compete for the Ohio State starting quarterback position unhindered by NCAA punishment.
According to ESPN, the NCAA cleared Miller (sort of) in their investigation into past Instagram activity that raised an eyebrow or two. Miller was found to have committed a rules infraction, but is unlikely to lose any playing time in his final season of football eligibility.
When Ohio State's compliance department last month got wind of two posts on Miller's Instagram account depicting him endorsing AdvoCare health supplements, they reported it to the NCAA. Miller also reportedly included his name on a list implicating he sold the supplements.
"The NCAA has determined that Braxton Miller's Instagram post on March 24, 2015, was deemed to be a promotion of a commercial product," the Ohio State athletic department said in a statement. "The NCAA has reinstated Braxton's eligibility without any conditions. This was considered a minor violation and the matter is now closed."
Collegiate athletes are strictly forbidden from receiving compensation of any kind, but they may seek employment off campus. Miller did not commit a violation by selling the products, but the NCAA does not allow its more recognizable student-athletes to use their visibility for personal gain.
Miller is coming off a season in which he did not play a single minute due to a preseason shoulder injury. In his stead, J.T. Barrett and Cardale Jones led the Buckeyes to a one-loss season culminating in a National Championship victory. Now all three are competing for the starting position.
Citing unnamed sources close to the matter, ESPN learned Miller was never in any danger of seeing his eligibility revoked.
