Syracuse to Appeal Men's Basketball Sanctions: Latest Details and Reaction

On the heels of the NCAA hitting Syracuse University's men's basketball program with heavy sanctions, the school plans to appeal part of the decision.

According to Syracuse Basketball on Twitter, the school will seek the reinstatement of both vacated wins and scholarships:

In an official statement from Syracuse University chancellor Kent Syverud, it was made clear that school officials believe that the NCAA's punishment was too severe:

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The University does not agree with all of the conclusions reached by the Committee on Infractions and does not agree that the full set of penalties imposed by the Committee are appropriate or equitable. We remain disturbed by the severity of certain penalties and the characterization by the NCAA of certain facts surrounding the case. After a full discussion with the Board of Trustees Athletics Committee, the University accepts some of the penalties imposed by the Committee, but will appeal the vacation of certain wins for the men’s basketball program and the reduction in men’s basketball scholarships.

The decision to appeal is not taken lightly. However, based on the facts and a review of previous NCAA infractions decisions, the University believes the impact of these specific penalties is excessive and disproportionate. The University also will support Coach Boeheim should he choose to appeal penalties that affect him personally.

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Per ESPN.com, Syracuse was forced to vacate 108 wins and was stripped of 12 scholarships in addition to head coach Jim Boeheim being suspended for nine ACC games during the 2015-16 season, stemming from NCAA rules violations.

Syracuse's decision to appeal comes on the same day that plans regarding now-former athletic director Daryl Gross and Boeheim were announced as well, according to ESPN.com's Jeff Goodman:

The Orange have long been viewed as one of the model programs in men's college basketball, but that is no longer the case in the wake of this scandal.

Syracuse is seemingly looking to save face by appealing. However, even getting part of the decision reversed may not help its reputation in the eyes of college basketball fans.

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