Syracuse, N.Y. -- Former Wisconsin player Nigel Hayes says that Wisconsin players discussed boycotting a game against Syracuse in the Big Ten/ACC Challenge in the 2016-17 season to protest the NCAA's compensation limits for athletes.

Hayes revealed the potential boycott while sitting on a panel at an Aspen Institute event in Washington D.C. His comments were reported by USA Today.

Syracuse played Wisconsin on Nov. 29, 2016, at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wis., as part of the Big Ten/ACC Challenge. Both teams were ranked in the Top 25 at the time. The game was televised nationally on ESPN.

Hayes said that he proposed the boycott to his fellow teammates.

"I knew 90 percent of the guys were on board from the get-go, before I asked the question," Hayes told USA TODAY Sports after the panel discussion. "But I let them know that if one of you guys says no, we won't do it because, obviously, we're a team and we're going to stick together.

"In hindsight, I think those guys that said no would change their mind now. That's usually what happens. The guys who don't go on to the NBA, once they leave college, they look back and say, 'Wow, I was exploited -- and now I have nothing to show for it.' ... So, I think we missed our opportunity, but hopefully this word gets out and it will inspire a group of kids that in college now or will be in college."

Wisconsin beat Syracuse 77-60 with Hayes playing a big role in the win. He finished one point shy of a triple-double with nine points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists.

Hayes said he picked the game against Syracuse because as a nationally televised game the boycott would have a high profile. He also said the non-conference game would not jeopardize Wisconsin's hopes of winning the Big Ten and making the NCAA tournament.

Syracuse missed out on the NCAA Tournament after finishing the 2016-17 season with an 18-14 overall record and a 10-8 mark in the ACC. The Orange wound up in the NIT.

It's unlikely that a Wisconsin boycott would have affected Syracuse. A win by forfeit would not have been reflected in the record considered by the NCAA's Selection Committee. In addition, a road loss to a quality team would have been taken off Syracuse's record, which would have impacted the Orange's RPI.

Hayes now plays for the Sacramento Kings of the NBA. He is a plaintiff in two lawsuits against the NCAA.