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Jim Boeheim Suspension Upheld: Reactions From Today's Appeal News

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Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

As you know by now, Syracuse Orange basketball coach Jim Boeheim's appeal results are in, and it ends up his nine-game suspension will be upheld. Only catch, however, is that that penalty now begins immediately. As in this Saturday against the hated Georgetown Hoyas.

Obviously this is not ideal -- especially following a lengthy wait on this appeal. So the reactions from Boeheim and elsewhere have come fast and furious over the last hour-plus.

We start with Syracuse University's statement:

"The Appeals Committee determined that the NCAA Committee on Infractions ‘abused its discretion’ by directing the suspension be served during conference play, because Coach Boeheim was not directly involved in the underlying violations of the case. The Appeals Committee determined the nine-game suspension may apply to non-conference games and be served immediately.

The University is pleased the Appeals Committee recognized that the initial sanction imposed on Coach Boeheim was too harsh. Nevertheless, we supported Coach Boeheim’s argument made during his hearing that any nine game suspension would be too severe based on previous cases, and his lack of involvement in the underlying conduct, which the Appeals Committee recognized.

As Chancellor Syverud said in March, Coach Boeheim has been a mainstay at Syracuse University for more than one-third of our 144-year history. As we now move forward as a University, we join Coach Boeheim in his continued focus on ensuring our student-athletes receive the best possible education and achieve their highest potential in the classroom and on the court."

Boeheim spoke to ESPN's Dana O'Neill soon after the news hit, and shared his frustration with the short time frame.

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Another ESPN employee who's never at a loss for words on the NCAA also weighed in right after. Jay Bilas, who's your spirit animal and mine, went H.A.M. the second the news hit:

Bilas's strong reactions also led to a conversation with the Daily Orange's Matt Schneidman, who has been posting key quotes from Jay:

The D.O.'s Jesse Dougherty also breaks down the NCAA's report and what exactly Boeheim was up against:

Keep an eye out for Schneidman's article coming out of the Bilas call. But in the meantime, some other reactions, some more serious than others. We'll be posting more on the over-arching story here as additional feedback comes out.

... Couldn't agree more, Jim.