Daryl Gross is out as Syracuse University's athletic director, an email from Chancellor KentSyverudconfirmed on Tuesday. The statement also puts Men's Basketball Coach Jim Boehiem's retirement at "within 3 years."
"As part of my discussions with him, Dr. Gross has asked to conclude his tenure as Director of Athletics and transition to a new role at the University that can benefit from his background and experience in the areas of marketing and advancement."
"He believes this transition will allow SU Athletics to move forward and position itself for continued future success."
Gross will retain a position at the University.
"Effective today, Dr. Gross will serve as Vice President and Special Assistant to the Chancellor, and adjunct professor in the David B. Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics. Dr. Gross has embraced this opportunity and we look forward to his continued contributions," Syverud said.
BOEHEIM RETIREMENT SET
The announcement also mentions conversations between Syverud and Boeheim about the sanctions and the best ways to move forward from them. Boeheim reportedly told Syverud he plans to retire within three years. The Chancellor praised the multiple roles Boeheim has had in the University and greater community, while pledging support for any appeals he might make regarding thesanctions.
"Coach Jim Boeheim has been a mainstay at Syracuse University for more than one-third of our entire 144-year history. He enrolled as a student here in 1962 and has never left. Among the many roles he has held at Syracuse are student-athlete, graduate assistant, teacher, assistant coach, head coach, community stalwart, philanthropist, U.S. Olympian coach, and Hall of Fame member." Syverud said in an email. "In these roles, he has been the embodiment of Orange Pride."
Those penalties include: the loss of 3 scholarships per hear for four years; a suspension for Boeheim for the first 9 games of ACC play next season; vacating wins in a number of the seasons in which players who should have been ineligible played, reducing Boeheim's overall win total and place on the all-time wins list.
Syverud remains opposed to certain segments of the NCAA sanctions report and plans to appeal in hopes of reductions of specifically, the reduction in scholarships as well as the vacation of certain of Boeheim's and the basketball team's wins from past seasons.
"The University does not agree with all of the conclusions reached by the Committee on Infractions and does not agree that the full set of penalties imposed by the Committee are appropriate or equitable"
Syverud further updated the campus community on changes that have been made to correct problems and violations announced in the NCAA report. They include changes in how academic standing and support are managed with student athletes.
Carrier Dome Managing Director Pete Sala will serve as Interim Director of Athletics in Gross' place. Floyd Little will serve as an advisor to Sala. A search for a new Athletic Director will begin immediately.
