What would it be like to get caught cheating in Daryl Gross’s class? Would he turn a blind eye to it? Would there be an eight-year investigation resulting in future students self-sanctioning?

The NCAA report was unclear about Gross’s exact role in Syracuse University’s recent violations. In reality, though, it doesn’t matter. Terrible acts of academic fraud happened under Dr. Gross’s watch. As a result, Dr. Gross’s name will forever be synonymous with an era of cheating and a lack of institutional control in Syracuse Athletics. He is guilty by association.

This makes Dr. Gross’s move to an academic role at the institution both absurd and hypocritical. Why transition an employee with suspect academic integrity to an academic position where his credibility and academic integrity are vital to the learning process? Do we want our students learning about athletics administration from a tainted and fallen athletics administrator?

The irony of this decision seems to be lost on many, including the administration.

Local sports radio talk-show hosts have made the observation that Gross is currently under contract. They suggest that the University is trying to find a job for Gross to earn the money which is owed to him. I personally believe that the institution’s academic integrity, credibility and reputation (or whatever is left of it in the wake of the recent violations) are worth more than whatever Syracuse owes Gross on his contract.

Syracuse Athletics will experience, over the next three years, unprecedented transition. Academic assistance and drug-testing policies have already been revised. Boeheim has announced his impending retirement date. The search is underway for a new director of athletics. Regardless of the cost, let’s part ways with Gross and start the process of cleaning our house by making the right ethical decision.

It’s time to move on.

Go Orange,

Brian Small ‘02
Syracuse Athletics Fan and Alum
Hillel at Syracuse University

Published on March 25, 2015 at 12:15 am