Syracuse to Go Ahead of NCAA Infractions Committee for Men's Basketball and Football Teams
BySyracuse University is going to face the NCAA's Infractions Committee in Indianapolis on Oct. 30 and 31 for multiple rules violations.
Unnamed sources told ESPN of the hearing dates and said the reason was for alleged improper benefits and academic violations on the men's basketball and football teams. Certain violations reportedly go back as much as a decade.
"There were things going on consistently (with the men's basketball program) for a long time," one source told ESPN.
The sources said the bulk of the allegations are against coach Jim Boeheim's basketball team. For about 10 years, running through the 2013 season, some of Boeheim's players were receiving benefits impressible under NCAA rules.
One of ESPN's sources said the football team is only facing rules violations for a period no longer than three years, starting with the 2004-2005 season. There were reportedly no NCAA rules violations under head coach Doug Marrone.
Citing unnamed sources as well, Syracuse.com reported that Boeheim, Syracuse Chancellor Kent Syverud and three former employees received a notice of allegations in May. Infractions hearings typically only involve the subject seeing the evidence against them and no testimony.
"I don't know what you're talking about," James Zeszutek, Boeheim's attorney, told Syracuse.com. "You need to contact the university."
The NCAA's investigation is reportedly focused in part on the suspensions of former Orange basketball players James Southerland in 2013 and Fab Melo in 2012, which were both for academic reasons.
The three former Syracuse employees were involved with the schools athletic department's program to help student-athletes remain academically eligible, Syracuse.com reported.
According to ESPN, NCAA Infractions Committee hearings are typically reserved for Level I and II violations, which carry heavier punishments. Neither the NCAA nor Syracuse commented on the matter.