Coach Jim Boeheim Hold Press Conference about NCAA Sanctions and his Retirement

Coach Jim Boeheim Addresses the Media about NCAA Sanctions and his Retirement Plan
Story and Video by: Lauren Foti
Photos by: Jiyang Zhang

Syracuse, N.Y.--  In an hour long press conference at the Carrier Dome Thursday morning Syracuse University Head Coach, Jim Boeheim addressed the media for the first time since the sanctions were handed down from the NCAA and since the announcement of his planned retirement was made.

Syracuse University Chancellor Kent Syverud made the announcement of what he said was  Boeheim's decision Wednesday afternoon in an email to the University's students, faculty, and staff.

"Coach Boeheim has also told me that he intends to retire as head coach in three years." Sverud said in the email. "His goal in making this decision and announcement now is to bring certainty to the team and program in the coming years and enable a plan for a successful longer term transition in coaching leadership."

Boeheim confirmed the three-year plan but also said at one point that if next season does not go well he could stop after that.

He also indicated he'd like to see Assistant Coach Mike Hopkins succeed him but that is up to the chancellor, not him. "I fervently hope that he will be the coach here," Boeheim said.

NCAA Sanctions

The first topic of discussion for Coach Boeheim was the NCAA Sanctions that were handed down a little over two weeks ago.

In a prepared statement that lasted 17 minutes Boeheim acknowledged the sanctions against his team and apologized for the damage it has done.

Coach Boeheim addressing media Thursday Morning at the Carrier Dome.

"And I do regret that these violations happened and I apologize for any harm it has brought to my players and the university, or embarrassment it has caused to our alumni, students, and fans," Boeheim said in his opening remarks.

He went on to say that he wanted to opportunity to let everyone know his side of the story and by doing this he outlined major points that he wanted the public to know about.

"There are four key areas that I want to address: head coach responsibility, allegations of academic fraud, impermissible benefits, and the athletic department's voluntary drug testing policy," Boeheim said. He then discussed each point in detail each point.

On the NCAA's ruling of his failure to run a compliant program he said "this could not be further than the truth."

Boeheim informed the media that he does in fact plan on appealing the sanctions against him.

"One violation is one too many. But I believe that the penalties imposed on the University and myself are unduly harsh."


Retirement

" I am 70 years old." Coach Boeheim said. "It's obvious there is a time frame for me as a head basketball coach."

He said three years is a little longer than he originally planned, but he feels that it is the best for the program given the recent developments involving the sanctions.

"I feel three years is right for me to be able to continue to do my job as well as I possibly can."

He said he might have retired sooner but was not about to while the NCAA investigation was still going on.


 "There's no way that I would ever run away from an investigation in progress," he said. Other than my family, this is the focus of my life."

Boeheim also shared some laughs  with the media as he joked about a farewell tour or getting some extra love from the crowd at Syracuse road games.

"When I go into a arena and they cheer for me, then I'll know its time," He joked as he talked about visiting arenas being booed by the crowd.

Although Boeheim is to be suspended for nine ACC games in the 2015-2016 season, he said doesn't plan on going anywhere.

Video


Watch full video's from the press conference below.

Coach Jim Boeheim Statement 
Q&A (part 1)
Q&A (part 2)
Q&A (part3)