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Syracuse: No. 44 will only be worn in a 'special circumstance'

Ron Schwane / Reuters

Syracuse clarified its stance on the use of its famed No. 44 on Wednesday after the decision to bring the number out of retirement was met with some criticism.

Senior vice president for public affairs Kevin Quinn told Syracuse.com in an email that the number will only be worn in a "special circumstance," and that it would take "someone extraordinary given the honor it would be to wear 44."

Syracuse announced Tuesday that it was restoring the No. 44 - worn by the likes of Jim Brown, Ernie Davis and Floyd Little - during a groundbreaking ceremony for Plaza 44, which will be constructed adjacent to the new Ensley Athletic Center.

Later on that day, Syracuse alum Donovan McNabb took to Twitter to criticize the decision, calling it "totally disrespectful."

"Yesterday's announcement was simply a reiteration of that commitment and another opportunity to celebrate the great accomplishments of those who have worn the number with Syracuse pride and honor," Quinn wrote. "The retired #44 jersey will continue in its place of honor at (Carrier) Dome - as a symbol of past glories and future successes."

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