Syracuse Asst. Coach Bernie Fine Investigated for Child Molestation
Syracuse, N.Y. - Syracuse basketball coach Jim Boeheim says that Associate Head Coach Bernie Fine has his full support and that allegations of Fine molesting a former Syracuse ball boy were investigated in 2005 and determined to be unfounded.
Syracuse police say they are in the early stages of an investigation into allegations that SU basketball Assistant Coach Bernie Fine molested a team ball boy for more than a dozen years, beginning in the 1980s, according to an ESPN report.
On Thursday Syracuse University placed Fine on administrative leave.
One of two alleged victims, Bobby Davis, now 39, came forward with the allegations in 2003. He was told by authorities that the statute of limitations had run out.
The report was made public by ESPN Thursday after a second alleged victim came forward with accusations.Full statement from Coash Jim Boeheim, via SU spokesperson:"This matter was fully investigated by the University in 2005 and it was determined that the allegations were unfounded. I have known Bernie Fine for more than 40 years. I have never seen or witnessed anything to suggest that he would have been involved in any of the activities alleged. Had I seen or suspected anything, I would have taken action. Bernie has my full support."
Statement from Kevin Quinn, Syracuse Senior Vice President for Public Affairs:
"In 2005, Syracuse University was contacted by an adult male who told us that he had reported to the Syracuse City Police that he had been subjected to inappropriate contact by an associate men's basketball coach. The alleged activity took place in the 1980's and 1990's. We were informed by the complainant that the Syracuse City Police had declined to pursue the matter because the statute of limitations had expired."On hearing of the allegations in 2005, the University immediately launched its own comprehensive investigation through its legal counsel. That nearly four-month long investigation included a number of interviews with people the complainant said would support his claims. All of those identified by the complainant denied any knowledge of wrongful conduct by the associate coach. The associate coach also vehemently denied the allegations."Syracuse University takes any allegation of this sort extremely seriously and has zero tolerance for abuse of any kind. If any evidence or corroboration of the allegations had surfaced, we would have terminated the associated coach and reported it to the police immediately. We understand that the Syracuse City Police has now reopened the case, and Syracuse University will cooperate fully. We are steadfastly committed ensuring that SU remains a safe place for every member of our campus community."
Syracuse statement regarding Fine's current status with the basketball program:"In light of the new allegations and the Syracuse City Police investigation...Chancellor Cantor asked Director of Athletics Dr. Daryl Gross, to place Associate Head Coach Bernie Fine on administrative leave."
