SYRACUSE, N.Y. (AP) - Guard Eric Devendorf of No. 11 Syracuse will have to perform 40 hours of community service before he can play again, according to a ruling Friday by the University Appeals Board.

The three-member board says Devendorf was immediately suspended from the university, but he can petition to be readmitted for the spring 2009 semester if he completes the community service.

Devendorf says he will fulfill the obligation. Once readmitted, the 21-year-old from Bay City, Mich., will also have to perform additional hours of community service to remain a student.

The ruling means Devendorf will miss at least six games. Devendorf was suspended for hitting a female student on the jaw with the heel of his hand during an off-campus altercation on Nov. 1.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)