Syracuse Basketball: James Southerland's Appeal To Be Heard Friday

I'm very excited about the official news today that James Southerland will have his appeal heard on Friday to see whether or not he can get back to playing basketball for the Syracuse Orange instead of wearing skinny jeans on the sidelines.

I'm mostly excited because (I think) it means you can stop asking me via every conceivable social media outlet what's going on with James Southerland.

According to multiple sources, Southerland’s eligibility issues center on a term paper from a previous academic year. An NCAA investigation into the SU basketball program’s academic records uncovered an issue with Southerland.

Syracuse University officials are prohibited from commenting on Southerland’s situation due to the student privacy laws. As a result, very little is known about appeal process as it pertains to Southerland.

For those that remember from the whole Jonny/Scoop/Rick sexual assault case, the Syracuse University judicial process is a secretive, shady, curious affair and trying to understand it will only frustrate you further.

What we do know is that Southerland will make his appeal to a committee of some sort that includes randomly-selected professors and students. Southerland is allowed to have a person available to give him advice but that person cannot act as a lawyer or representative in the hearing. The committee will hear the evidence, vote and majority will rule.

How long will it take for a decision? It could happen on Friday or it might not be decided for days. And don't think the Judicial Board cares that there's a game this weekend. They'll decide when they decide.

And so, you can stop email, tweeting, messaging, faxing and skywriting me for info. You now know everything I know.