Eric Devendorf was still playing for Syracuse while appealing a suspension from the school for the entire year. The redshirt junior was suspended by the judicial review board after an incident with a female student. Since Devendorf had already been on probation from a previous incident, the board went with a harsher penalty. On appeal, however, the findings were essentially upheld, but the penalty was reduced. Instead of being suspended through the winter semester, Devendorf was suspended immediately. The difference is he can apply for reinstatement before winter classes even begin on January 12.
The appeals board at Syracuse instead requires Devendorf to fulfill 40 hours of community service before he can apply for reinstatement, and another 40 hours after being reinstated. That will cost him the Memphis game tomorrow and at least the Coppin State game on December 22. It is highly conceivable that Devendorf could be back playing for the Orange by the time Big East conference action begins on December 30.
Considering how it appeared that Syracuse would be without Devendorf for the rest of the year, the Orange basketball team and coach Jim Boeheim has to be relieved. The immediate impact will be painful With Devendorf, and possibly Jonny Flynn as well, out for the Memphis game, Syracuse will be very weak in the backcourt in a big non-conference game.
That said, it is still a non-conference game. The games that really matter don't begin until the New Year.
