University of Miami president defends Hurricanes' win over Duke

Julio Frenk disappointed that some have questioned legitimacy of win

Miami Hurricanes players celebrate with Corn Elder, who scored the game-winning touchdown against Duke.

MIAMI – University of Miami President Julio Frenk is defending the Hurricanes' controversial victory over Duke last Saturday.

In a letter posted on the university's Twitter account, Frenk said, "As one of the newest members of the U family, I was deeply touched by the passionate and hard-won victory of our team against Duke University last Saturday in North Carolina. This is a team that in recent days experienced great adversity. They came together in a united and inspired effort to face these challenges head on. Our student-athletes played their hearts out and won the game fairly with a spectacular play that showed their commitment to winning to the very final seconds."

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Frenk also said that he was disappointed that some have questioned the legitimacy of the win.

"Let me be clear: Both teams fought hard and at the highest levels of competition, and in the end the University of Miami won," he said.

The letter came days after the Atlantic Coast Conference suspended game officials, replay officials and the communicator involved in the football game.

According to the ACC, the two-game punishment stems from errors on the last play of the game.

The ACC ruled that the replay official made a mistake in not overturning that a Miami player had his knee down, which would have ended the game.

The ACC claims the officials should have called a block in the back at Miami's 16-yard line and that officials were wrong to pick up a flag on the block in the back call at the 26-yard line.

The Hurricanes defeated then-No. 22 Blue Devils, 30-27.

"The University of Miami family stands proudly behind these young men and celebrates their hard-earned win," Frenk said. "Go 'Canes!"

Click here to read Frenk's full letter.

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About the Author:

Amanda Batchelor is the Digital Executive Producer for Local10.com.