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James Southerland is free!
According to a report by by Syracuse.com's Mike Waters, the senior forward's appeal was successful and he will return to the Orange's lineup Sunday when the St. John's Red Storm visit the Carrier Dome (3 p.m. on ESPN).
A Syracuse University academic hearing panel has upheld SU basketball player James Southerland’s appeal to have his eligibility restored, according to a source with knowledge of the decision.
The news was first reported early this morning by Syracuse.com's Brent Axe, who may have accidentally jumped the gun. However, none of this no longer matters.
Southerland had missed the last six games because of an undisclosed issue reportedly revolving around a term paper that the NCAA found issue with. The Orange's sixth man had an appeal hearing Friday and after a few days of deliberation it was ruled Sunday, a few hours before SU hosts St. John's, Southerland is now eligible to play.
The return of the 6'8, 215-pound forward is huge news for Syracuse, which showcased a lot of flaws while one of its best players was out. Now, the No. 9-ranked team in the nation can resume play at nearly full strength and, hopefully, return to its early-season form that made them a Final Four favorite.