Mookie Jones is likely done playing basketball at Syracuse.

Jones, who left SU last January, told The Post-Standard eligibility issues will prevent him from returning to the team. Jones was suspended by the university for one year after a Syracuse student accused him of cyberbullying last fall, according to the article.

Jones’ eligibility could be affected by the yearlong suspension. The NCAA — under rule 14.2.1 – requires athletes to finish their careers in five calendar years, starting when the athlete begins school. Jones arrived at Syracuse in 2008, which would make this season his last under the rule.

In January, Jones’ suspension ends and he can apply for reinstatement at the university, according to the article. But his eligibility to return to the team would be affected by the year of classes he missed. Athletes must maintain progress toward a degree to be eligible in sports.

Jones still has athletic eligibility right now, Pete Moore, SU director of athletic communications, said Wednesday. Moore said Jones is not currently enrolled at SU. He does still have his scholarship, but he must be enrolled in school to use it.

Moore said if Jones doesn’t play this season, the team could use his scholarship for another player.

Jones said he wants to return to SU to complete his degree requirements, according to the article. He also said he is trying to play professional basketball overseas. Jones played 38 minutes in seven games last season for the Orange.

The cyberbullying incident involved a 20-year-old female student, who claimed Jones posted “unflattering characterizations” of her on his Facebook, according to the article. It led to his suspension by SU’s Judicial Review Board.

Syracuse Police responded to a domestic verbal complaint in which the woman, who Jones has been involved in a relationship, accused Jones of the unflattering posts and of harassing her with text messages, according to a police report cited in the article. Though she said she didn’t think Jones “would become physical with her,” the woman requested an order of protection.

Jones said in a statement to the police that the woman had been “spreading rumors about him” since they broke up, according to the article.

The SU Judicial Board reviewed the situation after the woman’s complaint, and suspended Jones for one year.

Published on July 25, 2012 at 6:07 pm

Contact Ryne: rjgery@syr.edu