Bernie Fine Investigation: Laurie Fine Sues ESPN For Libel

Laurie Fine's Attorney: ESPN Acted With 'Absolute Malice'

Laurie Fine and her attorney, Lawrence Fisher, addressed the media Wednesday morning to discuss Fine's libel lawsuit against ESPN.

Laurie Fine Suing ESPN For Libel, Says Network's Lies 'Destroyed Her Reputation'

Laurie Fine, the wife of former Syracuse assistant Bernie Fine, is suing ESPN for libel, claiming its coverage of the molestation charges against her husband ruined her reputation.

Court Papers Say Bernie Fine's Wife Slept With Syracuse Players

The wife of former Syracuse basketball coach Bernie Fine had sex with a number of SU players over many years, according to an affidavit by one of the ball boys Fine is accused of molesting.

In the affidavit, former ball boy Bobby Davis talks about hearing Laurie Fine and the wife of another Syracuse coach talk about performing oral sex on players, and the "specific size and physical attributes" of their private parts.

Davis, the first of multiple men to accuse Bernie Fine of molestation, had previously told ESPN that Laurie Fine had initiated sex with him when he was a high school senior. In a recorded phone conversation between Davis and Laurie Fine, she seems to imply that some improper behavior between the two took place.

According to the affidavit, when Davis told Bernie Fine about his wife’s sexual contact with players, Fine "gave no reaction to my statement at all, indicating it was not a surprise, not a big deal.

Davis went into more detail about Laurie Fine's involvement with one particular player.

"The affidavit says Davis accompanied Laurie Fine in 1993 to an off-campus house where a player lived. Laurie Fine and the player went into the player's bedroom; when the player came out a short time later, he pumped his fist in the air and bragged that he just had sex with the assistant coach's wife.

A few years later, Laurie Fine and the wife of another coach talked about having sex with players while Davis drove them around Syracuse, the court papers say. The women talked about performing oral sex on the players, and discussed their "physical attributes."

Attorney Gloria Allred filed a lawsuit last month on behalf of Davis and his stepbrother Michael Lang which charges that that Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim defamed them when he said they lied about being sexually abused by Fine.

Fine has not been charged with any crime because it was determined the statute of limitations had run out.

For more developments on this story, be sure to check Troy Nunes is an Absolute Magician, SB Nation’s Syracuse blog.

Zach Tomaselli Admits Lying About Bernie Fine, Asks Police To End Investigation

For the second time in as many weeks, a Bernie Fine accuser has admitted to lying about at least part of his story.

Bernie Fine Investigation: Fourth Accuser Admits Lying

One of Bernie Fine's accusers came clean and admitted that Fine never sexually abused him.

Fourth Man Accuses Ex-Syracuse Assistant Basketball Coach Bernie Fine Of Molestation

A 56-year-old New York prison inmate is the fourth man to accuse former Syracuse basketball assistant coach Bernie Fine of molestation.

Floyd VanHooser, who is serving 16 years to life for burglary and petty larceny, told The Post-Standard (Syracuse) that he was 14-years-old when Fine, then a middle-school gym teacher, first molested him. He says that once he became an adult, the pair’s relationship included VanHooser performing sex acts for Fine in exchange for money.

Last week, Onondaga County District Attorney William Fitzpatrick referenced a potential fourth accuser, but did not mention VanHooser by name. Fitzpatrick has maintained that the fourth accuser’s claims are not credible.

“There simply is no victim No. 4,” Fitzpatrick said during a news conference.

Public records show VanHooser, orphaned at 13, in the past listed Fine’s address as his home. VanHooser has been counseled by Robert M. Hoatson, president of New Jersey-based non-profit Road to Recovery, who says he is puzzled by the DA’s quick dismissal of a man the Syracuse police reportedly described as “credible.”

“To me it sounded like the DA wanted to put a white ribbon on it and wrap it up,” Hoatson said.

Fitzpatrick’s spokesman, Barry Weiss, said the DA had no further comment on the case, including whether or not he erred in his judgment of VanHooser. “As far as we’re concerned, it’s the U.S. attorney’s case,” Weiss said.

For more on these developments, visit Syracuse blog Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician.

Bernie Fine Allegations: Accusers File Defamation Lawsuit Against Jim Boeheim, Syracuse University

Bobby Davis and Mike Lang, the initial two accusers in the Bernie Fine sexual abuse allegations, filed a lawsuit Tuesday against Jim Boeheim and Syracuse University alleging that the Syracuse coach defamed them in his initial comments on the case.

Via Syracuse.com:

Allred said the civil lawsuit, filed in state supreme court in New York County, is seeking compensatory and punitive damages but would not name a dollar amount. Both men say in the lawsuit that Fine sexually abused them when they were boys, according to Allred. She said the two have not sought money for their accusations before now.

When he initially learned of the latest round of accusations, Boeheim defending Fine, calling Davis and Lang "liars" and insisting that they were only out for money. Now, in a twisted O'Henry bit of logic, they will be asking for financial compensation from Boeheim himself.

Represented by lawyer Gloria Allred, the two have alleged that Boeheim knew about the improper relationship between Bernie Fine and Davis. Boeheim has vehemently denied knowledge.

SU declined to comment Tuesday.

You can read the full lawsuit here.

For more on these developments, visit Syracuse blog Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician.

New York Prosecutor Says Claims Against Fine Are Credible, Too Old To Be Prosecuted

Onondaga County (NY) District Attorney William Fitzpatrick said today that two claims of sexual abuse against former Syracuse basketball assistant coach Bernie Fine are credible, but that he won’t pursue a state case because the accusations are too old to be prosecuted.

Former Syracuse ball boys Bobby Davis, 39, and Davis’s stepbrother Mike Lang, 45, both accuse Fine of sexually abusing them when they were juveniles. Fitzpatrick called the pair credible witnesses, and said their claims would have led to Fine’s arrest were it not for the legal statute of limitations on such crimes.

The claims of the third man, 23-year-old Zach Tomaselli, of Lewiston, Maine, fall within federal statutes of limitations and are being investigated by the U.S. Secret Service.

Fine has denied all allegations of abuse. He was fired on Nov. 27.

For more on these developments, visit Syracuse blog Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician.

Bernie Fine Allegations: Federal Agents Seized Cellphones, Cameras & Computers

Last week, federal agents searched the home of Bernie & Laurie Fine as part of the ongoing investigation into claims of sexual abuse committed by the former Syracuse Orange assistant coach.

Federal prosecutors revealed the records of that search today, unveiling a massive collection of electronics and other items that were taken during the search.

Records show the agents were looking for pornographic material and records relating to any boy living at Fine's property.

The search also sought any travel documents, such as records on air travel and hotels. Two boxes of checks were seized, records show.

CNYCentral's Michael Benny tweeted a photo of the official collection document and it's quite the comprehensive list.

According to the document, Fine had 2 iPads, an iPod Touch, an iPod Nano and an unopened iPod. He also had eight cellphones, including four Blackberry phones.

Agents seized everything from VHS cassettes to a jukebox to disposable camera to safety deposit box keys.

Also listed on the document is one "cannon," which most likely means a Canon electronic and not an actual cannon.

For more on these developments, visit Syracuse blog Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician.

Jim Boeheim Apologizes For Questioning Bernie Fine's Alleged Victims

Syracuse head coach Jim Boeheim backtracked a second time in less than a week from comments questioning the motives of Bernie Fine's alleged molestation victims. Last Sunday, Boeheim released a statement, saying, "I deeply regret any statements I made that might have inhibited that from occurring or been insensitive to victims of abuse." Following 'Cuse's win over Florida on Friday, Boeheim distanced himself even further from his initial comments.  

"I believe I misspoke very badly in my response to the allegations that have been made," said Boeheim, who spoke slowly and paused frequently during a postgame press conference Friday. "I shouldn't have questioned what the accusers expressed or their motives. I am really sorry that I did that, and I regret any harm that I caused."

When allegations surfaced in November, Boeheim vehemently accused Fine's alleged victims of lying. On Friday, Boeheim pledged to help raise awareness of child abuse, saying that he "acted without thinking" out of loyalty to his former assistant coach. 

"I'm going to do everything I can to do that," he said, no matter whether he's coaching or not. "I've always been committed to kids. There's no question in my mind the issue of abuse is the No. 1 thing we should all be concerned about in this community."    

Three men have come forward so far alleging abuse, with a fourth victim perhaps about to open up. Fine coached under Boeheim at Syracuse for 35 years before being fired last month. 

For more on the game and for all things Syracuse, visit Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician.

Bernie Fine Investigation: Accuser Zach Tomaselli Goes Into Deep Detail About Relationship With Fine

Zach Tomaselli, the 23-year-old who earlier this week became the third man to accuse former Syracuse assistant basketball coach Bernie Fine of molestation, is now going into extreme detail about his relationship with Fine.

In an interview with the Kansas State University student newspaper, Tomaselli talks about meeting Fine at an autograph session, forming a relationship and eventually being invited to travel with the Syracuse basketball team on a trip to Pittsburgh. Tomaselli claims it was on this trip that Fine first molested him.

“I let him touch me,” Tomaselli said.

At first, he said, Fine “didn’t touch my genitals. He touched my stomach.”

After that incident concluded, Tomaselli said that he sat back onto the bed and was joined by Fine. He said that Fine then repeatedly fondled his genitals for five to 10 minute intervals over the course of the night. Eventually they went to sleep.

“When I woke up, Bernie was already in a suit. He looked at me and said ‘It’s gameday.’” Tomaselli said.

He said that Fine asked him to leave the bathroom door open while he showered. According to Tomaselli, he did not see Fine for the rest of the trip.

Tomaselli’s father has stated publicly that his son is lying, saying that whenever they attended Syracuse games they sat in the nose bleed seats, and have never been remotely close to Fine. Tomaselli says his father’s statements aren’t surprising.

“It was something that I expected,” he said. “In June, I reported [my father’s] abuse to the cops. I waited until I was 23 to not get my dad in trouble.”

He said he feared triggering an investigation of his father, so he waited until he believed the statute of limitations had expired. One of the reasons that Tomaselli waited to speak out about his father was to protect his mother and siblings. He said his mother had a co-dependant relationship with his father and he was concerned that if he reported the abuse, his father would be unable to support Tomaselli’s mother and siblings.

If all this weren’t enough, Tomaselli says the man who put him in contact with original Fine accuser Bobby Davis was none other than ESPN’s Mark Schwarz, the reporter who first broke the story.

Tomaselli was listening to the Herd with Colin Cowherd, an ESPN radio show, when he heard Davis’ account of his alleged abuse by Fine.

“I emailed [Cowherd] and he forwarded the email to Mark Schwarz,” Tomaselli said. Schwarz is an enterprise reporter for ESPN. “After talking to Schwarz on the phone, I got a phone call from a private number.”

The call was from Davis.

The only thing Tomaselli doesn’t address in the interview are the charges of the molestation that he’s facing himself in Maine. He’s accused of abusing a boy under 14, an accusation he denies.

For more on the game and for all things Syracuse, visit Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician.

Jim Boeheim Addresses Bernie Fine Investigation After Syracuse's Blowout Win Over Eastern Michigan

Syracuse blew out Eastern Michigan 84-48 Tuesday night, but the story of the game was Jim Boeheim's press conference afterwards, the media's first chance to question him about the Bernie Fine investigation.

Bernie Fine Allegations: Fourth Alleged Victim May Emerge Soon

Robert Hoatson, president and founder of Road to Recovery, says that he has spoken to the family of a fourth alleged victim of Bernie Fine and that they are in touch with the Syracuse Police and the Onondaga County District Attorney’s office.

Hoatson, who has not spoken with the alleged victim directly, says the victim was in their teens when the alleged abuse occurred (via New York Daily News).

"I got a call from this person’s family," Hoatson said. "They said something happened to someone in their family. She said she’s gone to law enforcement."

"When (the information) comes to light, he added, "it will be very powerful."

Hoatson made headlines last week when he led a protest on Syracuse University campus calling for Jim Boeheim's firing following his comments defending Bernie Fine and calling the accusers "liars."

Road to Recovery is a non-profit organization that supports victims of abuse.

For more on these developments, visit Syracuse blog Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician.

Bernie Fine Relationships With Jim Boeheim, Mike Hopkins Strained, According To Reports

With Bernie Fine fired as a Syracuse Orange assistant coach, reports and sources are starting to trickle out that tell a story about the strained relationships he had with head coach Jim Boeheim and fellow assistant Mike Hopkins.

ESPN.com's Andy Katz wrote a lengthy article on the unique culture of Syracuse basketball under Jim Boeheim on Tuesday. In it, he mentioned several reports that while they were friends, the relationship between Boeheim and Fine had deteriorated over the years.

"Several people close to the program told ESPN.com that Boeheim and Fine were very close for the first two-plus decades of their tenure but that the friendship has not been the same since Fine was essentially demoted in 2000. Recruiting had waned in the late 1990s and Fine's new title of associate head coach basically took him off the road and often relegated him to running the team's camps... It got to the point where Boeheim wasn't even recommending Fine for head-coaching jobs.

"The relationship, even among the families, deteriorated. When the Fines moved across the street from the Boeheims, multiple sources say it greatly irritated Boeheim's wife, Juli. She doesn't like Laurie Fine and made no secret of it."

Meanwhile, assistant coach Mike Hopkins has been the head coach-in-waiting for years, a status that seemingly jumped Bernie Fine in order of succession. That's a decision that seemed to have rankled the relationship between the two over the years.

Hopkins coached alongside Fine, who recruited him as a player, but according to a source, grew apart from Fine after he got the nod to succeed Boeheim over Fine. Fine was demoted and taken off the road when Hopkins and Troy Weaver, now the assistant general manager of the Oklahoma City Thunder, were the primary recruiting assistants. That's when the Orange signed Carmelo Anthony, Gerry McNamara, Craig Forth and Billy Edelin and changed the fortunes of what had become a middling program, winning the NCAA title in 2003.

According to the source, Fine and Hopkins' coaching relationship has not been the same since.

It's not surprising that Boeheim and Hopkins would want to distance themselves from Fine given the allegations and fallout. Every day there seems to be more developments and I'm sure there will be even more to come.

For more on these developments, visit Syracuse blog Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician.

Laurie Fine's CNN Interview Was Brief, Uneventful

Bernie Fine Allegations: US Department of Education Investigating Syracuse University

Just as they did with Penn State following the Jerry Sandusky allegations, the U.S. Department of Education is looking into Syracuse University in regards to the accusations of sexual molestation against former assistant basketball coach Bernie Fine.

According to the Cleary Act, "colleges and universities are required to disclose the number of criminal offenses on campus that are reported each year," the Department of Education's news release states. Further, "the institution must issue a timely warning if a reported crime represents a threat to the campus community" in certain instances.

Syracuse conducted their own investigation into claims against Bernie Fine in 2005. The university has said they found no corroborating evidence that proved the allegations. The Dept. of Education will want to confirm that's actually the case.

Given the recent developments in the allegations, that 2005 internal investigation is sure to become a hot topic in a lot of corridors very soon.

For more on these developments, visit Syracuse blog Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician.

Bernie Fine Allegations: Laurie Fine Speaks, Syracuse Police Turn Over Investigation To DA

A day after ESPN released audio of a conversation between Bernie Fine accuser Bobby Davis and Laurie Fine that led to Fine's firing by Syracuse University, Fine will be appearing on CNN Monday evening on Anderson Cooper 360 (8 p.m. ET).

Fine's nephew, Matt Govendo told CNN early Monday that Laurie Fine will make a statement Tuesday challenging the recording, claiming that it has been tampered with. Mrs. Fine refuted those claims to local news station WYSR.

Her appearance on CNN this evening does not seem to be scheduled but rather an ambush discussion akin to Armen Keteyian's interview with Mike McQueary.

Meanwhile, the Syracuse Police have agreed to they will turn over materials related to their investigation into the Bernie Fine allegations to the District Attorney on Tuesday. The DA and police were locked in a loud, public battle over that information last week.

The Onondaga County District Attorney, however, is no longer in charge of the investigation. The U.S. Secret Service, under the direction of the U.S. Attorney's Office, is leading the investigation.

For more on these developments, visit Syracuse blog Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician.

Search Warrant Could Be Executed At Syracuse's Manley Field House

Channel 9 News in Syracuse is citing a source “in a position to know” who says search warrants will be executed on Monday at SU’s Manley Field House.

The same station later updated its original story to say that a second source, also “in position to know,” says that search warrants will not be executed.

Manley Field House is a multi-purpose arena on the Syracuse campus where the men’s basketball team played its home games before the Carrier Dome opened in 1980. It also served as the team’s primary practice facility before the Carmelo K. Anthony Basketball Center opened in 2009.

For more on Syracuse, visit Syracuse blog Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician.

Bernie Fine Fired: Jim Boeheim Releases Statement Expressing Regret

Jim Boeheim released a statement Sunday night expressing regret for statements he made earlier this month defending former assistant coach Bernie Fine, who is facing molestation charges. Boeheim supported the decision of Syracuse University to fire Fine earlier in the day:

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.

Boeheim came to the side of his longtime assistant after allegations that Fine molested a former Syracuse ball boy resurfaced. At the time, Boeheim called Fine's accuser a liar, citing the victim's inability to produce corroborating witnesses. Boeheim's statement is certainly a big step away from his initial reaction, and looks like an attempt to distance himself from the case as a whole.

For more on Syracuse, visit Syracuse blog Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician.

Bernie Fine Fired By Syracuse University

Syracuse assistant basketball coach Bernie Fine has been fired by the university. The university announced the decision, apparently made by Chancellor Nancy Cantor, in a statement from senior vice president for public affairs Kevin Quinn that was released Sunday night.

“At the direction of Chancellor Cantor, Bernie Fine’s employment with Syracuse University has been terminated, effective immediately.”

Fine has been the subject of an investigation into his alleged sexual abuse of three children since November 17. This weekend, audio of a conversation between Fine's wife, Laurie Fine, and one of the men accusing Fine of molestation, Bobby Davis, emerged, in which Laurie Fine seems to acknowledge her husband's abuse.

Fine had served as Jim Boeheim's assistant coach for decades, and has known the Syracuse head coach for almost 50 years. Boeheim vociferously defended Fine when news of the allegations against him first broke.

For more on Syracuse, visit Syracuse blog Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician.

Bernie Fine Investigation: Third Accuser Says Coach Sexually Abused Him

Zach Tomaselli told Syracuse police Wednesday that Orange associate head basketball coach Bernie Fine sexually abused him as a child, according to Syracuse.com.

The 23-year-old Lewiston, Maine, native told police that in 2002, Fine molested him in a Pittsburgh hotel room. Two days after Tomaselli and his friend, Rose Ryan, told police of the alleged assault, U.S. Secret Service searched Fine's home and took with them three file cabinets as well as Fine's cell phone and a computer that wasn't his.

Tomaselli, who was actually facing sexual assault charges of his own in Maine, signed an affidavit Wednesday accusing Fine of molesting him, making him the third person to accuse the coach of such acts. Bobby Davis and Mike Lang came forward about a week ago.

Where Tomaselli's story gets interesting is that Zach's father, Fred, says that his son is lying. According to Fred, he has never met Fine and denied ever letting his son go to Pittsburgh with Fine and the Orange in 2002. The father and son have been estranged for years, according to the article.

Bernie Fine Investigation: Fine's Wife Discusses Allegations In 2002 Phone Recordings

Recorded phone conversations between Bobby Davis, the man accusing Syracuse assistant Bernie Fine of sexual abuse, and Fine's wife, Laurie Fine, were recently aired by ESPN's Outside the Lines. In the recordings, Laurie Fine acknowledges the alleged abuse by her husband, telling Davis "I know everything that went on," and, "You trusted somebody you shouldn't have trusted."  

Davis originally gave ESPN the recordings in 2003 but decided not to report the allegations when no one would corroborate his story. Now that Fine is being officially investigated, ESPN decided to air the recordings. Here are some excerpts from their conversation:

"I know everything that went on, you know," Laurie Fine said on the call, obtained by Outside the Lines from Davis. "I know everything that went on with him ... Bernie has issues, maybe that he's not aware of, but he has issues ... And you trusted somebody you shouldn't have trusted ... "

She continued: "Bernie is also in denial. I think that he did the things he did, but he's somehow through his own mental telepathy has erased them out of his mind."       

[...]

"Do you think I'm the only one that he's ever done that to?" Davis asked.

"No ... I think there might have been others but it was geared to ... there was something about you," Laurie Fine said.

"Yeah, that's what I'm wondering," Davis said. "Like I'm wondering why I was like the worst one."

"I don't know," Fine said.

[...]

"And, it's hard ... " Fine said. "If it was another girl like I told you, it would be easy to step in because you know what you're up against. ... (When) it's another guy, you can't compete with that. It's just wrong, and you were a kid. You're a man now, but you were a kid then."

At another point in the call, Fine says of her husband: "You know, he needs ... that male companionship that I can't give him, nor is he interested in me, and vice versa."

[...]

"It's about the d---. I know that. So you're -- I'm just telling you for your own good, you're better off just staying away from him," Fine said.    

If this recording is deemed admissible in court, it would be a huge blow to Fine's defense. 

(h/t SB Nation New York)

Bernie Fine Investigation Now Includes Secret Service

Police and other government agencies reportedly searched the home of Syracuse assistant Bernie Fine as part of an ongoing investigation into allegations of child molestation on Friday. Word of the police investigation surfaced on Nov. 17, when ESPN ran a report that included allegations levied against Fine by a former Syracuse ball boy. Since the report initially aired, Fine and Syracuse head coach Jim Boeheim have vehemently denied the accusations.

According to the report, which comes from Syracuse.com, the involvement of the Secret Service may indicate a serious step in the investigation.

The search suggests the probe has taken a new direction and involves allegations of more recent behavior than accusations of long-ago abuse, said veteran criminal defense attorney Edward Z. Menkin, of Syracuse, who is not involved in the case. “To me, it indicates this is a serious step in a new direction ...,” he said. “Common sense tells me it’s unlikely in the extreme that it has anything to do with the allegations reported on ESPN or The Post-Standard.”

Additionally, an expert cited in the report hypothesizes that the search may include Fine's computer, and potentially electronic materials. At this point, though, everything is conjecture with regards to the investigation and search of Fine's home, and nobody knows exactly what police were looking for or if the investigation has expanded further.

For more on these developments, visit Syracuse blog Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician.

Bernie Fine Investigation: House Searched By Police On Friday Afternoon

Bernie Fine's house was searched by several police agencies on Friday afternoon, reports the Syracuse Post-Standard: 

Four state troopers stood at 2:25 p.m at the foot of the driveway at Fine's home at 7001 Tiffany Circle. Other officers could be seen outside the house; three appeared to be looking through a trash can. A Syracuse Police crime scene van was parked up the driveway near the home and at least a half-dozen marked and unmarked police vehicles were parked on the street.

Fine is being investigated following allegations from two men who say they were sexually molested by the Syracuse assistant coach when they were teenagers. Bobby Davis, one of the alleged victims, initially reported the allegations in 2002 but was apparently told by the police they would not investigate because the statute of limitations had expired.

Davis said he decided to step forward again after hearing of the Jerry Sandusky investigation at Penn State, and the Syracuse District Attorney has subpoenaed records from the police to determine why his initial allegations were never investigated. 

Fine has been placed on administrative leave by Syracuse pending the results of the investigation. Head coach Jim Boeheim, who's known Fine for 40 years, has been extremely vocal in his support of his assistant and friend. 

Bernie Fine Allegations: Syracuse District Attorney, Police Department Embroiled In Fight Over Information

On Monday, Onondaga County District Attorney William Fitzpatrick obtained a subpoena requiring the police to turn over records from 2002 allegations against Syracuse Orange basketball coach Bernie Fine by accuser Bobby Davis.

The Syracuse Police, and Syracuse Mayor Stephanie Minoer have said they will keep all results of their investigation, past and present, internal until they decide to hand them over.

Fitzpatrick told the Post-Standard that he was greeted with an obscenity when he handed over the subpoena to Deputy Chief Shawn Broton, setting the tone for a legal battle towards discovery. 

The matter was supposed to be settled this morning, but state Supreme Court Justice Thomas Murphy sealed the records of what was said and adjourned until next Tuesday.

In the meantime, former Syracuse ball boy Steve Goldsmith, who spent time alongside Bobby Davis in the presence of Bernie Fine and continues to be close with the SU assistant cleared the air to say he was never abused and never suspected anything.

Davis and his ex-girlfriend have told the Post-Standard that they initially reached out to both the Syracuse Police and the District Attorney's office in 2002 and did not receive any help from either.

For more on these developments, visit Syracuse blog Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician.

Bernie Fine Investigation: Gerry McNamara Elevated To Assistant Coach

Syracuse basketball coach Jim Boeheim announced Friday afternoon that former player Gerry McNamara has been elevated to the position of assistant coach. Boeheim made the announcement via a written statement.

The move is being made while associate head coach Bernie Fine is on administrative leave following accusations of child molestation.

McNamara started all 135 games he played in during his four-year career at Syracuse, and helped lead the Orange to the 2003 national championship. He ranks fourth all-time at SU in points scored (2099), first in minutes played (4781), second in steals (258), third in assists (648), first in three-point shots made (400) and attempted (1131), and first in career free-throw percentage (89.1%).

For more on these developments, visit Syracuse blog Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician.

Syracuse Assistant Bernie Fine Calls Molestation Allegations "Patently False"

Syracuse assistant basketball coach Bernie Fine released a statement Friday afternoon addressing the accusations of molestation that have resulted in him being placed on administrative leave. In the statement, Fine maintains his innocence and calls the accusations rought by former ball boy Bobby Davis “patently false in every aspect.”

Simply put, these allegations are patently false in every aspect. The fact is these
allegations have been thoroughly investigated multiple times. When evaluating the veracity of these accusations, please keep in mind that credible media outlets were approached in the past to publicize these false allegations and declined to do so. I fully cooperated with all past inquires.

Sadly, we live in an allegation-based society and an internet age where in a matter of minutes one’s life long reputation can be severely damaged. I am confident that, as in the past, a review of these allegations will be discredited and restore my reputation. I hope the latest review of these allegations will be conducted expeditiously.

Finally, I appreciate the Chancellor’s statement that I should be accorded a fair
opportunity to defend myself against these accusations. I fully intend to do so. There should never be a rush to judgment when someone’s personal integrity and career are on the line.

Fine's definitive denial comes just hours after Syracuse head coach Jim Boeheim publicly called Davis a "liar" and stated that his only motivation was to capitalize on the attention the Penn State scandal has drawn.

For more on these developments, visit Syracuse blog Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician.

Jim Boeheim Calls Allegations Against Syracuse Basketball Assistant Lies

It’s one thing for Jim Boeheim to be absolutely convinced that Syracuse assistant basketball coach Bernie Fine, a man Boeheim has known for more than 50 years, is innocent of the sexual misconduct charges levied against him by a former ball boy. Boeheim vehemently voicing that opinion to the media, however, is the face of Syracuse athletics putting himself in a situation where he has almost as much to lose as the assistant who has been placed on leave.

Still, that’s exactly what Boeheim has done, flatly characterizing Fine accuser Bobby Davis as a liar who is trying to capitalize on the massive attention the scandal at Penn State has attracted.

“This is alleged to have occurred … what?" Boeheim asked late Thursday night. "Twenty years ago? Am I in the right neighborhood? It might be 26 years ago? So, we are supposed to what? Stop the presses 26 years later? For a false allegation? For what I absolutely believe is a false allegation? I know he’s lying about me seeing him in his hotel room. That’s a lie. If he’s going to tell one lie, I’m sure there’s a few more of them."

When he was asked what motivation Davis could possibly have to make up a lie that would undoubtedly ruin another man’s life, Boeheim did not hesitate.

"Here’s why," he said. "The Penn State thing came out and the kid behind this is trying to get money. He’s tried before. And now he’s trying again. If he gets this, he’s going to sue the university and Bernie. What do you think is going to happen at Penn State? You know how much money is going to be involved in civil suits? I’d say about $50 million. That’s what this is about. Money."

Then there’s also the issue of Davis having brought these same allegations in 2003, when they were subsequently investigated and found to be without merit.

“Bernie helped a lot of kids, a lot of kids," he said. "The Post-Standard and the university talked to those other kids (in 2003). None of them corroborated the story, at all. I know some of those kids. They’ve told me, ‘Hey, Coach. Bernie helped me. He cared about me. He knew I needed help and he helped me.’

“You need to go to your people down there at the paper. They investigated this for four months. Do they remember that? And they found … what? They investigated this and found nothing. They talked to Bernie’s neighbors and friends … everybody. They found nothing. Your paper would whitewash nothing. Don’t you agree? They had nothing. They could not write a story. They found zero."

It’s impossible to say whether Boeheim’s statements are noble or foolish until more facts are known, but he certainly could not have taken a more bold stance.

For more on these developments, visit Syracuse blog Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician.

Bernie Fine Investigation: Syracuse Chancellor Sends Letter To Students, Faculty

Syracuse University Chancellor Nancy Cantor sent the following letter to the school's students, faculty and staff Friday morning addressing the investigation of sexual misconduct accusations against assistant basketball coach Bernie Fine:

Dear Students, Faculty & Staff,

Last night, we were contacted by an ESPN television reporter regarding allegations dating back to the 1980’s and 1990’s that Associate Head Men’s Basketball Coach Bernie Fine had engaged in inappropriate behavior with a minor, now 39. Following the terrible news that came out of Penn State in the last several weeks, this is clearly distressing to all of us in the Syracuse University community. The news is already being covered widely by the media.

I want to tell you what we know and what we are doing about it.

First, as has been announced, Bernie Fine has been placed on administrative leave pending a new investigation by the Syracuse Police Department. He has vehemently denied the allegations and should be accorded a fair opportunity to defend himself against these accusations.

As we have communicated publicly in response to media inquiries, in 2005, Syracuse University was contacted by an adult male who asserted that he had reported allegations in 2005 of abuse in the 1980’s and 1990’s to the police. That same individual told us that the Syracuse City Police had declined to pursue the matter because the statute of limitations had expired.

On hearing of the allegations, the University immediately launched its own comprehensive investigation through its legal counsel. The nearly four-month long investigation included a number of interviews with people the individual said would support his claims. All of those identified by him denied any knowledge of wrongful conduct by the associate coach. At the end of the investigation, as we were unable to find any corroboration of the allegations, the case was closed. Had any evidence or corroboration of earlier allegations surfaced —even if the Police had declined to pursue the matter —we would have acted.

As of last night, we became aware that the Syracuse Police have determined to open an investigation, and we will cooperate to the fullest extent with their review of the matter.

Let me be clear. We know that many question whether or not a university in today’s world can shine a harsh light on its athletics programs. We are aware that many wonder if university administrations are willing to turn a blind eye to wrongdoing that may disrupt a successful sports program. I can assure you I am not, and my fellow administrators are not. We hold everyone in our community to high standards and we don’t tolerate illegal, abusive or unethical behavior —no matter who you are.

As you know, this week, I affirmed Syracuse University’s steadfast belief that all of us have the responsibility, individually and collectively, to ensure that Syracuse University remains a safe place for every campus community member and everyone with whom we interact on a daily basis on campus or in the community as part of our learning, scholarship, or work. We do not tolerate abuse.

The dilemma in any situation like this, of course, is that—without corroborating facts, witnesses or confessions —one must avoid an unfair rush to judgment. We have all seen terrible injustices done to the innocent accused of heinous crimes. And we’ve all seen situations where the guilty avoid justice.

At this time, all we really know is that a terrible tragedy is unfolding for both the accuser and the accused. I want you to know that we will do everything in our power to find the truth, and —if and when we do find it—to let you know what we have found.

Sincerely,

Nancy Cantor

Cantor sent the same letter to the school's alumni.

It's the right move for Cantor to put this out there immediately and attempt to distinguish what's happening at Syracuse from the Penn State scandal because it is, in fact, an entirely different situation. There has been no release of a grand jury presentment here, only news that police are looking into accusations that have already been previously made and dismissed. 

For more on these developments, visit Syracuse blog Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician.

VIDEO: Former Syracuse Ball Boys Detail Child Molestation Allegations Against Bernie Fine

On Thursday evening, two former Syracuse ball boys brought forth allegations of child molestation against Bernie Fine, a long-time assistant to head coach Jim Boeheim. The two men, now 39 and 45, brought their story to ESPN, describing the allegations in graphic detail on the air. ESPN also confirmed the Syracuse police department is in the early stages of an investigation into the claims.

Here is the Outside the Lines report on the incident. Be forewarned, the video continues strong and graphic language.

This is one side of the story, and Syracuse denied the claim in statement shortly after the report aired. Head coach Jim Boeheim also released a statement, then spoke with ESPN shortly thereafter, calling the accuser a liar and saying the situation was a money grab. Fine was also placed on administrative leave pending the results of an investigation.

For more on these developments, visit Syracuse blog Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician.

Jim Boeheim Issues Even Stronger Statement To ESPN About Syracuse Allegations

Syracuse head coach Jim Boeheim has gone on the offensive, combating the allegations of child molestation against assistant coach Bernie Fine with multiple strongly worded statements on Thursday night. Boeheim released his own statement to the media, spoke to Pete Thamel of the New York Times, then used even stronger wording when speaking to ESPN, who originally reported the investigation.

In the statement, Boeheim calls the alleged victim a liar, saying the university investigated the claims in 2005 and never could corroborate them.

"He supplied four names to the university that would corroborate his story. None of them did ... there is only one side to this story. He is lying."

But Boeheim took it a step further, saying money was the motivation for the claims.

Boeheim added: "Why wouldn't he come to the police (first this time)? Why would he go to ESPN? What are people looking for here? I believe they are looking for money. I believe they saw what happened at Penn State and they are using ESPN to get money. That is what I believe. You want to put that on the air? Put that on the air."

The full story can be read at ESPN.

For more on these developments, visit Syracuse blog Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician.

Bernie Fine Investigation: Jim Boeheim Strongly Denies Allegations Against Syracuse Assistant

Jim Boeheim spoke to New York Times reporter Pete Thamel on Thursday evening, hours after word of an investigation into allegations of child molestation against Syracuse assistant Bernie Fine surfaced. Since ESPN reported the investigation, Syracuse has released a statement denying the allegations and placed Fine on leave. But Boeheim offered the strongest statement yet.

Thamel said he spoke to Boeheim at length on Thursday evening, and posted the following quote on Twitter.

Boeheim: "There’s absolutely no way that I believe any of this could possibly have happened. That’s the bottom line." — @PeteThamelNYT via Twitter

"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 been involved in any of the activities alleged. Had I seen or suspected anything, I would have taken action. Bernie has my full support."

Bernie Fine Placed On Administrative Leave By Syracuse

Syracuse quickly mobilized as allegations of child molestation against basketball assistant coach Bernie Fine were made public on Thursday evening. Shortly after the ESPN report on the allegations levied by a former Syracuse ball boy, the university released a statement acknowledging the report and asserting the school had investigated the claims in 2005, finding no wrongdoing.

Now, Syracuse has taken the next step, placing Fine on administrative leave, according to CNY Central,

#BernieFine has now been placed on adminstrative leave — @CNYcentral via Twitter

Fine being placed on administrative leave isn't an admission of guilt or wrongdoing; it's simply the next step in the typical investigation process. While a serious investigation is pending -- Syracuse police are in the early stages of looking into the alleged victim's claim -- it's typical for the person at the center to be placed on leave.

For more on these developments, visit Syracuse blog Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician.

Bernie Fine Allegations Investigated By Syracuse In 2005

According to an earlier report, long time Syracuse Orange assistant head coach Bernie Fine is being investigated for allegedly molesting a boy over a decade ago. The alleged victim was a former Syracuse ball boy.

The school, however, released a statement claiming that they were aware of the investigation that began in 2005 and conducted their own investigation. In the statement, Syracuse said it was unable to find evidence of wrongdoing during an internal investigation at the time.

"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

Via

Bobby Davis, the alleged victim, claims that he reported the alleged abuse back in 2003 to Syracuse police, but the statute of limitations had expired. Davis claims the incidents began in 1983, while he was in the seventh grade, and continued in 1984, when he became a Syracuse ball boy.

For more on these developments, visit Syracuse blog Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician.

Bernie Fine Allegations: Syracuse Basketball Ball Boy Claims He Was Molested For 12 Years

Syracuse Orange assistant head coach Bernie Fine has been accused of molesting a ball boy for more than a dozen years, beginning in 1983.

According to ESPN, Syracuse police are in the early stages of their investigation.

The alleged victim is Bobby Davis, now 39. Davis has told ESPN's Outside the Lines that Fine first molested him in 1983 as Davis was entering the seventh grade. Davis became the Syracuse ball boy in 1984 and subsequent abuses occurred in Fine's home, at the Syracuse basketball facilities and during road games, including the 1987 Final Four.

A relative of Davis' has also told Outside The Lines that he was molested by Fine around the same time.

According to Davis, Jim Boeheim was never notified of the abuse. However, he was aware of Davis' presence with Fine:

Davis said he was Fine's constant companion at all those places. He said that Boeheim would come into Fine's room, and see Davis lying on the Fine's bed, but never asked him any questions.

Davis says he originally reported the alleged abuse to Syracuse police in 2003 but was told the statute of limitations had run out. Outside The Lines investigated the story at the time, as well, but did not proceed when they were unable to find further victims willing to speak.

At the time of the investigation, the Syracuse police chief was former Syracuse basketball player Dennis Duval. He played under Boeheim and Fine.

For more on these developments, visit Syracuse blog Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician.

Syracuse Basketball Assistant Bernie Fine Being Investigated For Alleged Molestation Of Ball Boy

Longtime Syracuse Orange basketball assistant Bernie Fine is being investigated by police over allegations that he molested a former Syracuse ball boy, according to ESPN.