This week Syracuse University self-imposed a postseason ban for its men’s basketball team due to possible athletic violations. This means that the team won’t play in the NCAA , ACC, or NIT tournaments. These violations occurred between 2007 and 2012. The violations could range from cheating on tests to someone doing a players’ homework. Syracuse self-reported this information to the NCAA.
Maybe they already knew there was going to be a post-season ban since possibly the NCAA was already investigating the team. The NCAA will look into these specific incidents. When they find out more, Syracuse could lose scholarships. Syracuse was off to a great start this year going 15-7 before this news came out.
Coach Jim Beohiem said, “I believe the University is doing the right thing by acknowledging that past mistakes occurred.” At least he thinks that the school made the right decision.
This isn’t the first time the men’s basketball team has been in trouble. In 2012, center Fab Melo, was ineligible for the start of the NCAA tournament. Melo also missed three Big East games during that season because of an academic issue. In the same year, James Southerland, sat out six games for an academic issue.
This seems to be more of a Boehiem problem. The coach is in charge of everything. He should know what is going on with his players. If they aren’t making the grades, cheating on homework, or tests, he’s the one that should make his players accountable for their academics.
One of the biggest problems not just at Syracuse but also in college basketball is the “one and done” rule meaning players can go to the NBA after one year. Some of these athletes are there just so they can play in the NBA and help their draft stock. Others want to receive an education. It may be the reason Syracuse had these violations in the first place was because players weren’t serious about school. The NCAA will take a look into the possible infractions and more action than a postseason ban may be at hand.
What should NCAA do to Syracuse? How should they change the “one and done” rule?
I think many basketball players in high schools are not into education only in playing pro ball. So let’s say those who go to college should be held to the same academic standards as non-athletes
The NCAA and collegiate athletics are shams. The athletic departments are stand alone and don’t hang with the rest of the University until there are rule infractions. Worst rule infractions aside from point shaving pertain to how the student athlete performs or is treated academically. Many athletes do not have the capacity for meeting the academic standards; others don’t make the effort, often because they are “dead-tired” from practice, weight room, physical therapy, and team meetings. Instead of the scholarships running concurrent with the 4 year playing window, let the athlete go to school after 4 seasons of play and also be sure the (former) athlete meets academic rigor or forfeit the on-going scholarship. If they don’t want to go to school after 4 years of scholarship sports …. that’s their loss. This beats the alternative crud flying around that scholarship athletes should receive pay in addition to their scholarship. Entire system needs to be re-built!! NCAA stands for National Collection of Athletic A$$h@11s.