Jim Boeheim and Syracuse Served With Defamation Lawsuit
The two men who came out and accused former Syracuse assistant coach Bernie Fine of sexual molestation are now suing the university and head coach Jim Boeheim in a defamation suit.
Former Syracuse ball boys Bobby Davis and Mike Lang said they were molested by Bernie Fine, who has since been fired. Fine has continued to maintain his innocence.
Once news of the alleged misconduct reached news outlets Boeheim came out in support of his friend and colleague; Boeheim felt the victims were just out to make money from the situation.
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Boeheim told the Syracuse Post-Standard: "The Penn State thing came out, and the kid behind this is trying to get money. 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."
However, there was a huge public outcry over Boeheim’s insensitive remarks. Some groups were even calling for the resignation or termination of Boeheim.
In a separate interview with ESPN Boeheim said: "It is a bunch of a thousand lies that he has told. You don't think it is a little funny that his cousin is coming forward?"
Davis, reading from a statement at a news conference after the lawsuit was filed in New York State Supreme Court said: "It really hurt me to learn coach Boeheim had accused me of lying."
During a post-game interview on Dec 2, boeheim offered concessions concerning how he spoke about the alleged sexual abuse: "I believe I misspoke very badly in my response to the allegations that have been made. I am really sorry that I did that, and I regret any harm that I caused."
Despite Boeheim’s apology a lawsuit has still been brought against him.
Gloria Allred, the attorney who is representing both of the men, came out in defense of her clients. "One of Syracuse's most respected individuals had already told the world repeatedly that Bobby Davis and Mike Lang were nothing but liars and out for money and nothing else,” he said according to AP.
