Reports: NCAA investigating Syracuse

SYRACUSE, N.Y. (AP) — Two media outlets are reporting Syracuse has been under investigation for possible NCAA violations, mostly in its basketball program, for at least a year.

CBS Sports.com, citing an unidentified source, reported Wednesday that the school has received a letter of preliminary inquiry from the NCAA.

The Post-Standard reports NCAA investigators have been conducting interviews with Syracuse employees and former employees. The newspaper reports the investigation includes the handling of center Fab Melo’s academic eligibility.

In 2012, the star center was declared ineligible for the NCAA tournament days before it started.

The school also acknowledged last year the college sports governing body had inquired into old allegations that players were allowed to practice and play despite being in violation of the school’s drug policy.

This season, forward James Southerland sat out six games during the season for an academic issue.

Syracuse plays Montana in the first round of the NCAA tournament on Thursday in San Jose, Calif.