Randy Phillips not aware of problems at Miami

A former University of Miami (Fla.) booster is ready to spill dirt on the Hurricanes football program, and Lions safety Randy Phillips could be named in his tell-all book.

The Miami Herald reported Sunday that Nevin Shapiro, currently under indictment for his role in a Ponzi scheme that bilked investors out of $80 million, is planning to detail NCAA violations at Miami in a book that could be published as soon as December. Shapiro has said he was close with Phillips and several others, the Herald reported.

Phillips shook his head Monday when asked if he knew Shapiro.

"I have no idea what y'all talking about," he said repeatedly.

Is he aware of the allegations?

"I don't even know what is going on down there," Phillips said. "I'm so focused on this. I haven't even talked to anybody, to tell you the truth."
An undrafted rookie who signed with the Lions earlier this month, Phillips likely will make his fourth start of the preseason Thursday against Buffalo.

He forced a fumble Saturday against the Browns that Chris Houston returned for a touchdown, but wasn't happy with his play otherwise.

"I did feel I took a step back," Phillips said. "Forced a touchdown, but still took a step back in my play. Just was kind of slow, played a little bit slow, that's it. No mental errors or anything like that, just a little but slow."



(freep.com)