Syracuse reports possible drug testing violations
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Syracuse University has reported potential violations of its own drug testing policy to the NCAA.
A report from Yahoo! Sports indicates that at least 10 players from the Syracuse men's basketball team since 2001 tested positive for banned recreational substances and were allowed to play or practice when they should have been suspended by the athletic department.
The NCAA does not require such testing, although the organization does its own drug testing at championship events. If a school institutes its own testing program, it must adhere to the guidelines and follow its own procedures for violators. Syracuse, according to the Yahoo! report, did not follow its policies and therefore could be subject to NCAA sanctions.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}An investigation is ongoing.
"In accordance with NCAA regulations, it is the university's practice to self- report possible violations to the NCAA," said Syracuse vice president for public affairs Kevin Quinn in a statement on Monday. "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."
Syracuse is 30-1 this season and enters this week's Big East Tournament in New York City as the top seed.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}During the time frame reported by Yahoo! Sports, Syracuse won its lone national championship. The Orange beat Kansas for the 2003 title.
It's been a difficult year for Syracuse basketball off the court, as the team and head coach Jim Boeheim first had to deal with the Bernie Fine scandal in November. The long-time Boeheim assistant was fired after being accused of sexual molestation by former ball boys.