Syracuse Violations Are Alleged : Basketball: Newspaper reports gifts of favors, merchandise, cash to players.

Syracuse University will review a newspaper’s allegations of wrongdoing in its basketball program, but the initial reaction of school officials Thursday was a sigh of relief that the alleged NCAA rules violations were not more serious.

The Syracuse Post-Standard reported that the third-ranked Orangemen might have broken dozens of NCAA rules in recent years, such as allowing players to receive free merchandise and meals, cut-rate use of cars and cash from boosters, including NBA Hall of Fame member Dave Bing.

Among the most serious allegations raised in the newspaper’s seven-month investigation was that former Orangeman Rodney Walker said a grade was changed so he could remain eligible for a Big East game in 1987.

The Syracuse basketball program has been nationally ranked since March 5, 1984.

“Obviously some are serious, but most are minor,” Robert Hill, university director of community relations, said of the allegations.

The university is neither confirming nor denying the allegations at this point, Hill added.

Hill said the university has sent the NCAA a copy of the Post-Standard report. He said the stories will be analyzed and the school will consult with the NCAA.

Also, in College Station, Tex., Texas A&M; has notified the NCAA that violations have occurred involving the transfer of a Syracuse basketball player.

Alleged violations became public when recruit Tony Scott told the Post-Standard that a New York talent scout had arranged his transfer from Syracuse to Texas A&M.; The newspaper also quoted Scott as saying the university paid for part of his father’s air fare and permitted the talent scout to fly on its plane.