The long anticipated report from the NCAA on the Syracuse basketball program was released today and it is not good for the orange or coach Jim Boeheim. The committee decided the school must forfeit wins, lose scholarships the next few years, and be on probation. In addition coach Boeheim will be suspended for the first 9 conference games next year. Cuse did get some good news however when they were not banned from post season play except for the ban they gave themselves for this season. This will make recruiting much easier as they don’t have to worry about top high school kids shunning them because of a ban.

@IamJoeSports

Over the course of a decade, Syracuse University did not control and monitor its athletics programs, and its head men’s basketball coach failed to monitor his program, according to a decision issued by a Division I Committee on Infractions panel.

Syracuse discovered and self-reported 10 violations in this case, which primarily involved men’s basketball but also football. The self-reported violations, dating back to 2001, include academic misconduct, extra benefits, the failure to follow its drug testing policy and impermissible booster activity. The other violations found included impermissible academic assistance and services, the head basketball coach’s failure to promote an atmosphere of compliance and monitor his staff, and the school’s lack of control over its athletics program.

Penalties in this case, not including those self-imposed by the school, include five years of probation; financial penalties; reduction of three men’s basketball scholarships per year for four years; vacation of wins in which ineligible students participated; a nine conference game suspension for the head basketball coach; and men’s basketball recruiting restrictions for two years. Additionally, the panel accepted the school’s one-year postseason ban in men’s basketball it self-imposed after the NCAA hearing, among other measures outlined in the public decision.

That was just a small excerpt from the full ruling which you can read HERE.

All in all, Syracuse should be fine because they are an elite school when it comes to basketball. Although the lose of a few scholarships the next few years will hurt, since they can still play in the tournament they will be able to keep incoming potential recruits happy and the Orange always get talented kids.

Joe Casey @IamJoeSports