Bernie Fine, the 36 year assistant basketball coach at Syracuse University, was fired after child molestation investigations were launched against him.
STORY: NOT AGAIN! Syracuse Basketball Coach Bernie Fine Investigated For Child Molestation!
The hammer came down on Fine by Syracuse’s Chancellor Nancy Cantor in a statement read by Kevin Quinn, the school’s Senior Vice President:
“At the direction of Chancellor Cantor, Bernie Fine’s employment with Syracuse University has been terminated, effective immediately.”
In an exclusive interview with ESPN, two former Syracuse ball boys were the first to accuse Fine, who has called the allegations “patently false.”
Bobby Davis, now 39, told ESPN that Fine molested him beginning in 1984 and that the sexual contact continued until he was around 27.
A ball boy for six years, Davis told ESPN that the abuse occurred at Fine’s home, at Syracuse basketball facilities and on team road trips, including the 1987 Final Four.
Syracuse head coach Jim Boeheim said he supported the university’s decision to fire longtime assistant Fine.
“The allegations that have come forth today are disturbing and deeply troubling. I am personally very shocked because I have never witnessed any of the activities that have been alleged.
I believe the university took the appropriate step tonight. What is most important is that this matter be fully investigated and that anyone with information be supported to come forward so that the truth can be found.
I deeply regret any statements I made that might have inhibited that from occurring or been insensitive to victims of abuse.”
Between Penn State coach Jerry Sandusky and the newest allegations against Bernie Fine, college athletics have certainly taken a black eye.
We will continue to follow this story and bring you any further developments.
SOURCE: ESPN
