Ex-assistant Syracuse basketball coach Bernie Fine's wife, Laurie, is suing ESPN on the grounds of libel.
Now, her attorney claims that ESPN did so with malice, according to Mike Rutherford via twitter.
Lawrence Fisher, Fine's attorney, said in today's press conference that Fine has had her life ruined by lies spread by ESPN, according to Rutherford.
"The personal life that has been stolen from Laurie is why we are here today," said Fisher.
The lawsuit also talks about ESPN's desire to link this case with that of the Penn State sex scandal involving ex-assistant football coach Jerry Sandusky. In the suit, it's said ESPN wanted to capitalize financially on the situation by lumping the two together.
Fine didn't have much to say at the presser but did offer the following:
"It is impossible for me to describe what ESPN has taken away from me,"
According to Fisher, settlement talks with ESPN representation have begun, but nothing appears to be imminent for the time being.
For more on this case, please be sure to stay on SB Nation New York and our Syracuse blog Dunes Magician as details emerge.