Syracuse, N.Y.-- Syracuse University announced late Wednesday afternoon that it has self-imposed a one-year post-season ban on men's basketball for this season. The ban comes in connection with the case that is pending with the NCAA Committee on Infractions.
The ban will include the ACC Tournament as well as any other additional post-season tournaments such as the NCAA Division I Basketball Tournament and the National Invitational Tournament (NIT).
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| SU Chancellor Kent Syverud |
"The University has taken this matter seriously and worked with the NCAA for nearly eight years to investigate and address potential rules violations," Syverud said in his email. "The process has been exhaustive."
He goes on to say that this ban is "further acknowledging past mistakes."
According to SU's official press release, "The University initiated the case when it self-reported potential violations within the Athletics Department to the NCAA in 2007. Much of the conduct involved in the case occurred long ago and none occurred after 2012. No current student-athlete is involved.
"In addition, beginning in 2007," the release goes on, "the University took a series of actions to reform and strengthen existing policies and procedures, implement a series of best practices, and realign and improve a range of student-athlete support services."
The chancellor said he made the decision "in consultation with the Board of Trustees Athletics Committee and with the support of Athletics Director Daryl Gross and Men’s Basketball Head Coach Jim Boeheim. This was a difficult decision but one we believe appropriate given the facts associated with the NCAA investigation."
The NCAA has yet to announce any findings or penalty to the University.
Reactions from the SU
Comments from the Director of Athletics, the head coach and team captains came in the form of statements released through the university and the Athletics Department's website.
"I am very disappointed that our basketball team will miss the opportunity to play in the post-season this year," Coach Jim Boeheim said in a statement included in cuse.com's report on the ban. "I supported this decision and I believe the University is doing the right thing by acknowledging the past mistakes occurred.
"Our players had faced adversity and challenges before," Boeheim's statement continued. "I know they will rise to this challenge by keeping our program strong and continuing to make our University proud."
In a statement attributed to the team's three captains, Rakeem Christmas, Trevor Cooney, and Michael Gbinije, they express their disappointment but their understanding as well.
"We are all tremendously disappointed that we are going to miss out on playing in the post-season based on issues that do not involve us. However, we support our school and this won't change how hard we will continue to work in practice and in games."
"My greatest disappointment is for the players who will be affected by this outcome even though they are not involved." Syracuse Athletics Director Daryl Gross said in his statement. "In the end, I am confident that our program will continue to compete at the highest national level and remain strong."
Then and now
The Syracuse University Men's basketball team has not missed the post-season since it faced NCAA sanctions back in 1992-1993. It was allowed to play in the Big East tournament that season.
A last second win against Virginia Tech at the Carrier Dome Tuesday night brought the Orange record to 15-7. Its stretch run is the toughest part of the schedule and includes games against Duke (twice), Notre Dame,Virginia, Louisville, North Carolina State, Pitt (twice) and Boston College. Before the announcement today many analysts saw the Orange's chances of making the NCAA tournament as very difficult.
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