Boeheim Says NCAA Penalties Too Harsh

Syracuse basketball coach Jim Boeheim beat the NCAA to the opening tip this morning. Two hours before the games began, Boeheim held a press conference to say he thinks the NCAA sanctions placed on himself and his program are "unduly harsh". And, that he plans to appeal them.

After a multi-year investigation, the NCAA said Syracuse had committed violations over a decade and that the program and Boeheim would be penalized.

Scholarship reductions, vacating wins, probation, and Boeheim himself is suspended from coaching nine games next year.

Boeheim said he plans to retire in three years.

He has been at Syracuse since 1976.