Almost an hour after former long-time assistant men's basketball coach Bernie Fine was fired from his position Sunday night, the Orange head coach and long-time friend of Fine's, Jim Boeheim, released a statement, via one of the university's Facebook pages, reacting to the news.
“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.”
Before the release of the statement, there were rumors that Boeheim was not going to react to the termination of Fine, who he strongly supported admits the initial sexual abuse allegations. Obviously, those rumors proved to be false and it seems that SU's headman did a good job of retracting his previous statements, which attacked the alleged victims.
Will this statement save the job of Boeheim, who is in the middle of his 36th season as head coach? Right now, nobody knows that answer. That decision will depend on if the new investigation reveals that Boeheim had any knowledge of the relationship between Fine and his alleged victims -- Bobby Davis and Mike Lang.
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