Statement from Senior Vice President for Public Affairs Regarding NCAA Infractions Appeals Committee Decision on Coach Jim Boeheim’s Suspension

“Today, the NCAA Infractions Appeals Committee issued its decision in response to Head Men’s Basketball Coach Jim Boeheim’s appeal of the sanction imposed on him on March 6, 2015. Coach Boeheim submitted his appeal on March 20, 2015.

“The Appeals Committee determined that the NCAA Committee on Infractions ‘abused its discretion’ by directing the suspension be served during conference play, because Coach Boeheim was not directly involved in the underlying violations of the case. The Appeals Committee determined the nine-game suspension may apply to non-conference games and be served immediately.

“The University is pleased the Appeals Committee recognized that the initial sanction imposed on Coach Boeheim was too harsh. Nevertheless, we supported Coach Boeheim’s argument made during his hearing that any nine game suspension would be too severe based on previous cases, and his lack of involvement in the underlying conduct, which the Appeals Committee recognized.

“As Chancellor Syverud said in March, Coach Boeheim has been a mainstay at Syracuse University for more than one-third of our 144-year history. As we now move forward as a University, we join Coach Boeheim in his continued focus on ensuring our student-athletes receive the best possible education and achieve their highest potential in the classroom and on the court.”

Further information about the NCAA Infractions Appeals Committee Decision may be found at NCAA.org. More information about the University’s response to the March 2015 NCAA report can be found here.