Syracuse Self-Imposes Postseason Ban for 2014–15 Season

2 minute read
Miami v Syracuse
Head coach Jim Boeheim of the Syracuse Orange reacts to a play against the Miami Hurricanes during the first half at the Carrier Dome on January 4, 2014 in Syracuse, New York.Rich Barnes—Getty Images
By Sports Illustrated / Molly Geary

Syracuse has informed the NCAA that it has self-imposed a postseason ban for the 2014-15 men’s basketball season, the university announced on Wednesday.

The ban is a response to an NCAA investigation of the program, which the school said it initiated when it self-reported potential violations within the athletics department to the NCAA in 2007.

“I am very disappointed that our basketball team will miss the opportunity to play in the postseason this year,” said head coach Jim Boeheim. “Senior Rakeem Christmas has been an outstanding member of the team for the past four years. However, 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.”

In its release, Syracuse said no current player is involved in the investigation and “much of the conduct involved in the case occurred long ago and none occurred after 2012.”

In October 2014, Boeheim and other Syracuse officials attended a hearing in front of the NCAA’s Committee of Infractions, when the NCAA wrapped its investigation.

Former Syracuse player Fab Melo’s academics reportedly comprises the core of alleged misdeeds from 2010-12. ​

Melo, who left the team in 2012 for the NBA draft, was suspended during the 2011-12 season due to academic violations. After working to make himself eligible, he was declared ineligible again before the 2012 NCAA tournament and did not play.

The NCAA’s probe also reportedly examined the deployment of Syracuse athletes as interns at an Oneida, N.Y., YMCA. Tri-Valley YMCA CEO Hank Leo testified at the hearing.

More Must-Reads from TIME

Contact us at letters@time.com