Syracuse University is considering an appeal of certain findings of the NCAA investigation into SU released Friday, Chancellor Kent Syverud said in a campus-wide email.

“Although the University recognizes the seriousness of the violations it has acknowledged, it respectfully disagrees with certain findings of the Committee,” Syverud said. “Specifically, the University strongly disagrees that it failed to maintain institutional control over its athletics programs, or that Men’s Basketball Head Coach Jim Boeheim has taken actions that justify a finding that he was responsible for the rules violations.”

Syverud said in the email that Boeheim, “may choose to appeal the portions of the decision that impact him personally.” If Boeheim is to appeal the findings, SU would support him, Syverud said. On Friday afternoon, ESPN reported that Boeheim will indeed appeal the ruling.

The penalties outlined in the NCAA’s 94-page report would not be enforced until after the appeal process is completed. An appeal is not a new hearing that provides a second chance to argue the case and the school or person appealing must prove one of the following:

• The ruling by the committee on infractions was clearly contrary to the evidence.
• The individual or school did not actually break NCAA rules.
• There was a procedural error that caused the committee on infractions to find a violation of NCAA rules.
• The penalty was excessive.

SU has 15 days to decide if it will appeal a portion of the ruling.

Published on March 6, 2015 at 3:14 pm

Contact Justin: jmatting@syr.edu | @jmattingly306