Suspension upheld, reduced for Syracuse G Devendorf

Dec 19, 2008 - 7:00 PM SYRACUSE, New York (Ticker) -- Syracuse guard Eric Devendorf had his school-imposed suspension reduced to a minimum of six games, according to a ruling issued Friday by the university's appeals board.

Devendorf initially had been suspended for the remainder of the academic year for violating Syracuse's student code of conduct. The original ruling, levied last week, stemmed from allegations that the junior hit a girl in the face during an altercation last month.

But after appealing the season-long suspension, Devendorf received a much more lenient penalty from the three-member appeals board.

According to Friday's ruling, Devendorf has been immediately suspended from the university and will have to perform 40 hours of community service.

If Devendorf completes the community service, he can petition to be re-admitted for the second semester, which begins January 12. The sharpshooter, if reinstated, would be eligible to play January 14 against Georgetown.

The 11th-ranked Orange have six games prior to their showdown with rival Georgetown, including a contest Saturday at No. 21 Memphis.

"I'm disappointed that I put myself in this position which resulted in being suspended as a student and unable to participate in a number of games, including tomorrow's game," Devendorf said in a statement released by the school. "I understand the decision and will be complying with all of the requirements of it."

"Eric clearly made a mistake and should be punished," Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim said. "It is his responsibility to fulfill the requirements of this decision."

Devendorf, 21, was given a medical redshirt last season after tearing his left ACL on December 15, 2007.

The 6-4 Devendorf, Syracuse's second-leading scorer, has averaged 13.9 points and 3.4 assists in 11 games this year for the Orange (10-1).

Syracuse made controversial headlines over the past week when Boeheim allowed Devendorf to play through the appeal process in the team's past three games.

After Saturday's game against Memphis, the Orange close out the first semester with games against Coppin State, Seton Hall, South Florida, DePaul and Rutgers.

Syracuse begins the second semester with a brutal four-game stretch against Big East opponents all currently ranked in the top 15 - Georgetown, Notre Dame, Pittsburgh and Louisville.