Syracuse University announced Wednesday that it has instituted a self-imposed postseason ban for this year's men's basketball team, following an investigation by the NCAA Committee on Infractions.
In a news release, the university said it self-reported potential violations to the NCAA in 2007. Many of the potential violations were academic in nature. The university said that most of the alleged conduct occurred "long ago and none occurred after 2012." The university says no current student athlete is involved in the investigation.
According to the university, Syracuse officials went before the NCAA Committee on Infractions last October and that the university continues to cooperate with the NCAA as the investigation continues.
"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," said Syracuse University Chancellor Kent Syveruud in a statement.
Men's basketball coach Jim Boeheim expressed regret that senior Rakeem Christmas would not be able to play in the postseason, but agreed with the university's decision to impose the ban.
"I supported this decision and I believe the university is doing the right thing by acknowledging that past mistakes occurred. 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," said Boeheim.
The NCAA has not yet concluded its investigation or announced its penalty against Syracuse. The university has instituted other self-imposed penalties. Those penalties will not be made public until the NCAA releases its final report.
Syracuse last missed the postseason in the 1992-1993 season, when it was under NCAA sanctions.
