SYRACUSE - Syracuse guard Eric Devendorf must perform 40 hours of community service and be reinstated by the university before he can play after being accused of hitting a female student.
The Associated Press
Canisius's Julius Coles, right, drives against Syracuse's Eric Devendorf during the first half in Syracuse, Wednesday.
Canisius's Julius Coles, right, drives against Syracuse's Eric Devendorf during the first half in Syracuse, Wednesday.
Devendorf can petition to be readmitted for the spring semester that starts Jan. 12 if he completes the community service, the University Appeals Board ruled Friday.
“I'm disappointed that I put myself in this position,” Devendorf said in a statement. “I understand the decision and will be complying with all of the requirements of it.”
University officials said Devendorf could be readmitted before the start of classes if he completes the community service. That means he will miss at least the game at Memphis on Saturday and Coppin State at home on Monday but could return for the Big East opener against Seton Hall on Dec. 30.
The original decision by a judicial hearing board recommended suspending Devendorf, a 6-foot-4 junior, for at least the remainder of the academic year for hitting a female student on the jaw with the heel of his hand during an off-campus altercation on Nov. 1.
“Eric clearly made a mistake and should be punished,” Coach Jim Boeheim said. “It is his responsibility to fulfill the requirements of this decision.”
The 21-year-old from Bay City, Mich., is the second-leading scorer for the No. 11 Orange. He played while he appealed the suspension.
Once readmitted, Devendorf will also have to perform additional hours of community service to remain a student.
“The appeals board agreed with us that the original sanction was inappropriate,” said William Sullivan, Devendorf's lawyer. “It gives Eric the opportunity to return, which he truly appreciates.”
Devendorf has started all 11 games this season and is averaging nearly 14 points a game. He missed 25 games last season with a torn knee ligament.
“I'm disappointed that I put myself in this position,” Devendorf said in a statement. “I understand the decision and will be complying with all of the requirements of it.”
University officials said Devendorf could be readmitted before the start of classes if he completes the community service. That means he will miss at least the game at Memphis on Saturday and Coppin State at home on Monday but could return for the Big East opener against Seton Hall on Dec. 30.
The original decision by a judicial hearing board recommended suspending Devendorf, a 6-foot-4 junior, for at least the remainder of the academic year for hitting a female student on the jaw with the heel of his hand during an off-campus altercation on Nov. 1.
“Eric clearly made a mistake and should be punished,” Coach Jim Boeheim said. “It is his responsibility to fulfill the requirements of this decision.”
The 21-year-old from Bay City, Mich., is the second-leading scorer for the No. 11 Orange. He played while he appealed the suspension.
Once readmitted, Devendorf will also have to perform additional hours of community service to remain a student.
“The appeals board agreed with us that the original sanction was inappropriate,” said William Sullivan, Devendorf's lawyer. “It gives Eric the opportunity to return, which he truly appreciates.”
Devendorf has started all 11 games this season and is averaging nearly 14 points a game. He missed 25 games last season with a torn knee ligament.
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