In a report to the SUNY board of trustees that attempts to move “beyond this sad chapter in Binghamton University’s history,” the report’s authors spotlight a group of officials who looked the other way in exchange for wins on the court — and pressured others to do the same.

Whether it was fighting the admissions department on its resistance to admit students who did not meet academic standards, ignoring requests from officials for academic information on the basketball team or “vigorously defending” BU’s recruitment practices to other America East Conference presidents and athletic directors, these officials consistently chose to ignore clear signs of trouble and push for wins, no matter the cost.

Judge Judith Kaye and a team of lawyers, who authored the report, ultimately place blame in the hands of President Lois DeFleur, former athletic director Joel Thirer and Vice Provost Michael McGoff, among other top officials, in the 102-page report. They also attempt to explain what led to a number of incidents that put BU in the spotlight — from the highly publicized arrest of a star player, to the removal of five more players, as well as Thirer’s resignation.

The document, which cost SUNY $913,000, also sheds light on the events prior to the removal of those players, including allegations that a number of them were involved with a debit card scheme, as well as claims that others had been caught with drugs. It also states that DeFleur had been notified of the alleged incidents in most cases.

In its final pages, the report recommends that BU establish a “more active role” in oversight and control of the athletics program, and that SUNY should consider appointment of an athletic oversight officer.

“At times, as this report shows, the intensity of the desire to win may undermine and compromise that primary [academic] mission,” it reads. “The president took no corrective action in her role as the supervisor of the athletic director and the person charged with ultimate responsibility for BU’s intercollegiate athletic program.”

DeFleur, who over winter break announced her plans to retire this July, held a press conference with campus media groups Tuesday. Pipe Dream reporters, who had requested an interview several times, were present at the conference. In total, the reporters were allowed to ask three pre-approved questions before the meeting came to an end.

At the conference, DeFleur said she will have no administrative involvement with the University once she retires, aside from giving her support. She said she believes “change is good.”

“We believe the report speaks for itself,” reads a statement from SUNY board of trustees Chairman Carl T. Hayden and Chancellor Nancy Zimpher. “[Kaye’s] recommendations are clear, concise and outline a clear path for restoration of oversight, accountability and unquestioned academic integrity.”

The statement asserts that the board will continue to review and implement Kaye’s suggestions.

“It is our responsibility to act quickly to bring this matter to a conclusion and to take the necessary steps to restore Binghamton’s academic and athletic reputation to the highest levels,” reads the statement.

In a statement in a Thursday B-Line, BU asserted that it is “already working on some of the report’s major findings.”

“President DeFleur will continue to work with Chancellor Nancy L. Zimpher on the specific implementation of the report to ensure the continued success of the Binghamton University athletic department, both academically and athletically,” reads the statement.

Visit go.bupipedream.com/statements to read the full statements from SUNY and BU.

— Melissa Bykofsky contributed to this report.