First it was Penn State and now another sex scandal has shocked the sports world.
Long time Syracuse assistant basketball Coach Bernie Fine was placed on administrative leave last night after two former ball boys say they were molested by Fine over the course of 20 years.
STORY: The 411 On The Penn State Sex Abuse Victims
Bobby Davis, now 39, told ESPN that Fine allegedly molested him in 1984 and that the sexual contact continued until he was around 27.
STORY: Penn State Students Hold Vigil For Victims
A ball boy for six years, Davis said the alleged abuse occurred at Fine’s home, at Syracuse basketball facilities and on team road trips, including the 1987 Final Four.
Davis’ stepbrother, Mike Lang, 45, who also was a ball boy, told ESPN that Fine molested him starting while he was in fifth or sixth grade.
Syracuse Chancellor Nancy Cantor said in a statement Friday morning:
“We hold everyone in our community to high standards and we don’t tolerate illegal, abusive or unethical behavior – no matter who you are.”
Fine is in his 35th season as a Syracuse assistant.
This is the second sex scandal to rock collegiate sports in the last two weeks.
In the Penn State case, former football defensive coach Jerry Sandusky is accused of sexually abusing eight boys over 15 years.
