Syracuse's Jim Boeheim calls NCAA ruling 'unduly harsh'

Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim isn't holding anything back.

Boeheim made his first remarks before the media Thursday following his NCAA penalty and his announced intention to retire.

The 70-year-old coach stood rebuked the sanctions placed on him and the program, emphasizing his innocence and proclaiming his intent to appeal the penalties, according to John Kekis of the Associated Press. The Orange was issued a five-year probation sentence, which includes a vacation of 108 of his career wins plus a nine-game conference-play suspension.

"This is far from a program where student-athletes freely committed academic fraud. I believe the penalty is unduly harsh," he said.

He alleges that he was not given the opportunity to speak with the NCAA for a second interview in regards to his involvement.

He also admitted that his three-year retirement plan is longer than he originally intended on staying.

"I'll take the punishment. Today what's important is to handle what I have to do here. I am 70 years old. It's obvious there's a time frame for me as head coach. I feel that three years is right for me. Three years is probably longer than I was planning," Boeheim stated. 

He went on to explain the significance of his three-year plan and what it means for the sake of the program.

"I believe three years is right for me to be able to do my job as best as I can. I believe the program will be in a great position when I retire," he added. "Given all these developments, it's right for the program (for me to stay). I've told every recruit I'm going to coach next year. If anybody's concerned about recruiting, I don't think that's an issue."