As a result of his failed plans to transfer, the lawsuit alleged that Minuto did not receive a full scholarship to play football at Tulane that he was otherwise promised.

However, Harvard filed a stinging response, presenting signed affidavits from Murphy denying the allegations, along with affidavits from admissions officers saying Minuto was “very weak academically” and from the Tulane coaching staff saying that Minuto had misrepresented his football credentials to the Harvard staff.

“[Minuto’s] position is legally and factually without merit, [and] his conduct has been dishonest,” Harvard’s brief concluded.

Dean of Admissions Marlyn McGrath-Lewis ’70-’73 said she sees the dismissal as a vindication for the “careful” handling of athletic recruits by the athletic department and the admissions office.

“We cannot immunize ourselves from misrepresentation and lies, but…we feel that this is a resounding endorsement of the care with which the coaching staff and the admissions office handle these cases,” she said.

For their part, the Minuto family said they sought the dismissal to avoid a long, drawn-out court battle. Minuto has since reenrolled in Tulane University.

The dismissal came two days before the first scheduled hearing on the case in U.S. District Court in Boston.