Report: Frank Howard suspended due to failed drug test

SYRACUSE N.Y. — The Daily Orange, a student newspaper at Syracuse University, cites three sources who say point guard Frank Howard was suspended from playing in the men's basketball NCAA Tournament because of a failed drug test.

The university announced Howard's suspension with a one-sentence statement late Wednesday afternoon. The senior had traveled with the team to Salt Lake City, Utah for the opening round games of the tournament.

DAILY ORANGE |Syracuse senior Frank Howard suspended for failed drug test, 3 familiar with situation say

"Syracuse University men’s basketball student-athlete Frank Howard will not play in the NCAA Tournament for an indefinite period of time due to a violation of athletic department policy."

According to the NCAA, the group conducts drug testing as its championships and year-round on campus for Division I and II programs.

"In addition, the majority of institutions conduct their own institutional testing programs independent of NCAA drug testing.," the NCAA website says.

Syracuse University Athletics does have its own drug testing policy.

A spokesperson declined to comment on the Daily Orange report and elaborate on the department's drug testing policy.

Syracuse Coach Jim Boeheim said Wednesday that they "had an indication" at practice Tuesday that Howard would be suspended, but did not elaborate on the reason why.

Howard missed the beginning of the season due to an injury, and junior Tyus Battle played point guard in his place.

SEE ALSO| Jalen Carey ready to fill the void left by Frank Howard's absence in Salt Lake City

Boeheim indicated that would be the case for Thursday's game and that they will adjust without Howard.

"It's very similar to last week when we found out Tyus wouldn't play," Boeheim said. "We played really well in both games in the tournament and we're going to have to make that same adjustment this week."

CNYCentral has confirmed that regardless of whether Syracuse beats Baylor Thursday night, Howard would also not play in the second round.

No. 8 Syracuse will play No. 9 Baylor at approximately 9:57 p.m. Thursday.