In response to today’s Yahoo! story, Syracuse has issued a statement saying the NCAA is conducting an “ongoing inquiry” into its drug testing situation.
“In accordance with NCAA regulations, it is the University’s practice to self-report possible violations to the NCAA,” the statement reads. “We self-reported issues with drug testing to the NCAA, and there is currently an ongoing inquiry. The inquiry does not involve any current SU student-athletes. To ensure the integrity of the ongoing process, we are unable to comment further at this time.”
The Yahoo! story cites “four sources with intimate knowledge of the Syracuse men’s basketball program” who said “at least 10 players since 2001 have tested positive for a banned recreational substance or substances.”
“The sources said all 10 of those players were allowed to practice and play at times when they should have been suspended by the athletic department, including instances when some players may not have known of their own ineligibility,” the story continues. “The four sources said Syracuse violated its drug policy in at least two areas: failing to properly count positive tests; and playing ineligible players after they should have been subject to suspension.”
“I don’t know anything about it,” Orange coach Jim Boeheim told Yahoo!. “I would not comment on anything like that. Good luck with your story.”
Speaking on TheScore1260 radio in Syracuse, Pat Forde, who co-wrote the article along with Charles Robinson, said the story was not timed to coincide with the beginning of March Madness and that it was published when completed.
“There was no thought given to timing,” Forde told radio host Brent Axe.
Syracuse is the No. 1 seed in the Big East Tournament, which begins Tuesday at Madison Square Garden.
The Orange (30-1) have a double-by into the quarterfinals and don’t play until Thursday.
Boeheim, who earlier this year weathered the Bernie Fine sex scandal, is also under consideration for Big East Coach of the Year honors, which will be presented Tuesday before the night session.
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