Syracuse's Boeheim says Devendorf suspension too severe

SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim says the suspension given to starting guard Eric Devendorf by a university judicial board is too severe.

The board recommended Wednesday that Devendorf be suspended for the remainder of the academic year after allegedly hitting a female student in the face. He is appealing the decision.

Boeheim also took exception with the Judicial Review Board's characterization that testimony given at a hearing by three basketball players was biased because they are Devendorf's teammates.

The board found Devendorf had violated codes of conduct that included harassment, but it cleared him of causing physical harm to a female student on Nov. 1.

Devendorf is the third-leading scorer for the No. 13 Orange, averaging 14.1 points.