Syracuse University Basketball Coach Jim Boeheim Denies Sex Abuse Allegations
Former Ball Boy, Now 39, Claims Assistant Coach Bernie Fine Abused Him Sexually
Syracuse University is facing a similar sex-abuse-by-a-coach scandal that has rocked Penn State and its former football coach Jerry Sandusky, and led to the ouster of coach Joe Paterno and other top college officials.
Syracuse University assistant basketball coach Bernie Fine was accused of sexually abusing a former ball boy for more than 12 years starting in 1983. The university placed Fine on administrative leave and the Syracuse Police Department is investigating the allegations.
Bobby Davis, now 39, made the announcement on ESPN, alleging the abuse took place on the university's campus and at Fine's home.
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Fine has coached for Syracuse University for 35 years.
It is unclear why Fine was only recently placed on administrative leave.
Syracuse University reportedly launched an investigation into the claims six years ago. The investigation found that the claim was unsubstantiated, according to reports.
"This matter was fully investigated by the university in 2005, and it was determined that the allegations were unfounded," Syracuse University head basketball coach Jim Boeheim said in a statement. "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."
The most recent allegations come just days after similar claims against former Penn State defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky were publicly revealed in a grand jury indictment.
Sandusky was indicted on charges that he sexually assaulted eight young boys over a 15-year period.
The scandal eventually led to head football coach Joe Paterno being fired, as more and more people were outraged, claiming the coach, who knew of at least one case of alleged abuse, did not do enough by only notifying school officials and not bringing the matter to the police.
It is unclear if the allegations against Syracuse University's coach will prove to be true after the investigation is completed.
Previous investigations failed to find anyone able to corroborate the alleged sexual abuse.
