NCAAM teams
Brett McMurphy, College football reporter 9y

SU basketball, football focus of NCAA

Syracuse Orange, Syracuse Orange

Syracuse University's men's basketball and football programs are under NCAA investigation for allegations, including providing extra benefits and academic issues, that date back at least 10 years, a source said Thursday.

Syracuse will go before the NCAA's Committee on Infractions in Indianapolis on Oct. 30-31, sources said.

The majority of the allegations -- and the most serious -- involve the men's basketball program. Among the allegations facing the men's basketball team are receiving extra benefits and academic issues, a source said. Those allegations go back about 10 years and are as current as the 2013 season, a source said.

"There were things going on consistently (with the men's basketball program) for a long time," a source said.

Jim Boeheim has been Syracuse's head basketball coach since 1976.

The football team is also facing allegations involving extra benefits, but only for a two-or-three-year stretch around 2004 or 2005, a source said. From 1991-2004, Paul Pasqualoni was Syracuse's football coach, followed by Greg Robinson from 2005-08. Pasqualoni is now a defensive line coach with the Chicago Bears, while Robinson is defensive coordinator at San Jose State.

None of the football allegations occurred since Doug Marrone took over in 2009, a source said. Marrone left for the Buffalo Bills in 2013 and was replaced by Scott Shafer.

Syracuse.com reported part of the basketball investigation focuses on the academic record of Fab Melo, who was suspended in 2012. Also, former teammate James Southerland was suspended briefly for academics in the 2013 season but eventually returned to the team.

Syracuse.com also reported Southerland's suspension was the result of an NCAA investigation into the basketball program's academic records.

Since the NCAA's inquiry began, Syracuse restructured the athletic department's academic services department, which is responsible for keeping athletes academically eligible. The restructuring included at least three employees changing jobs, Syracuse.com reported.

CBSSports.com first reported in March the NCAA's investigation into the men's basketball program.

When investigations require hearings before the Committee on Infractions, it involves the more serious Level I violations and/or Level II violations. NCAA officials will not comment on pending cases.

ESPN.com's Dana O'Neil contributed to this report.

^ Back to Top ^