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Syracuse Announces Self-Imposed NCAA Basketball Postseason Ban for 2014-15 Season

Syracuse University has self-imposed a one-year, postseason ban for the men's basketball 2014-15 season, according to a press release from Chancellor Kent Syverud on Wednesday evening.

The ban is part of an ongoing investigation between the university and the NCAA's Committee on Infractions.  It includes the ACC Tournament, the NCAA Tournament or the NIT.  The university said it told the NCAA about the ban before making the announcement to the public.

SU began its own investigation back in 2007 when it self-reported potential violations within its athletics department, according to the release.  

"Much of the conduct involved in the case occurred long ago and none occurred after 2012," the release said. "No current student-athlete is involved."  

Syverud wouldn't comment on the specific type of violations, citing that the NCAA's case has not yet concluded.  The university appeared before the Committee on Infractions in October of 2014 and "has continued to cooperatively engage", the release said. 

Syverud said the ban was a joint decision between himself, head coach Jim Boeheim, athletic director Daryl Gross and the Board of Trustees Athletics Committee.

"This was a difficult decision, but one we believe appropriate given the facts associated with the NCAA investigation," Syverud said.

Boeheim said he supports that decision, but feels disappointed for Rakeem Christmas, who won't get to finish his senior season in tournament play.

"I believe the University is doing the right thing by acknowledging that past mistakes occurred," Boeheim said.  "Our players have faced adversity and challenges before. I know they will rise to this challenge by keeping our program strong and continuing to make our University proud.”

The team also missed the entirety of the 1992-93 postseason over NCAA violations.

CHANCELLOR SYVERUD FURTHER EXPLAINS THE MOVE AND THOUGHTS BEHIND IT

This one-year ban includes the ACC Tournament and any additional post-season tournaments such as the NCAA Men’s Division I Basketball Tournament and the National Invitational Tournament (NIT). I made this 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. Syracuse’s history demonstrates a strong commitment to integrity, responsibility and fairness, values I have personally observed in practice many times since becoming Chancellor last year. The University has taken this matter seriously and worked with the NCAA for nearly eight years to investigate and address potential rules violations. The process has been exhaustive. We have taken responsibility for past violations and worked hard to ensure they are not repeated. We believe these voluntary sanctions are consistent with those imposed on other NCAA schools in similar cases. I have included below a copy of the University announcement that will be issued shortly. I am disappointed for our current men’s basketball players who must shoulder this post-season ban as a result of things that occurred years ago. I also recognize that not participating in post-season play will be disappointing for you and other Orange supporters. However, we look forward to moving past this matter and I am confident the men’s basketball program will be strong and successful both on the court and in the classroom in the years ahead.