Sad story.

Late this afternoon, UM defensive end Dyron Dye was told by his lawyer that he has been kicked off the football team.

Dye was the lone current Hurricanes player still connected to Miami's NCAA investigation. He was previously suspended for four games in 2011 and had to repay $738 in benefits given to him by former booster Nevin Shapiro during the recruiting process.

The NCAA interviewed Dye three times because it believed an affidavit signed by Dye that supported former UM receivers coach Aubrey Hill, contradicted statements made in at least one of his previous interviews.

Dye and attorney Darren Heitner of Wolfe Law Miami wanted a ruling or clarification from the NCAA on his eligibility, and the governing body of college athletics never gave it to him. Miami apparently found it too risky to keep him on the roster.

Sadly, Dye had a physical Monday, and told Heitner he passed the physical and was just waiting to be cleared from UM to practice and play. He has been recovering from surgery to repair his Achilles' tendon.

Here's UM's prepared statement:

"The University of Miami has informed football player Dyron Dye that he will no longer be a member of the Miami football program. Given the totality of the circumstances and unresolved issues regarding the NCAA investigation, the University has decided to move ahead.''

Heitner said he was the one to first inform Dye of the news.

"He had to find out from me,'' Heitner said. "They didn't even tell him.

"The action they took today basically ties our hands. It was a shock. He was not expecting that. All of us had the idea he would be ruled ineligible, but we didn't think the university that spent so much time recruiting him, the university he provided his services for and played any position for, that he dedicated his collegiate career to, would basically say, 'No thanks. We don't want you anymore.'''

Dye, who would have begun his fifth-year senior season, is still being provided financial aid to complete his schooling toward a master's degree. He already earned his bachelor's degree, and could still choose to transfer and attempt to play his final season somewhere else without sitting out a year.

UM coach Al Golden on Monday declined to comment on Dye's status, other than to say he was a defensive end. Coaches asked him to switch positions from tight end to D-end in the spring.

The 6-5, 261-pound Dye, from Sanford, Fla., played in all 12 games last season, with eight starts at tight end. He caught four passes for 48 yards, which ended up being the only four catches of his career.

SUSAN MILLER DEGNAN