Well, looks like dominoes are dropping as allegations have arisen about Syracuse assistant men’s basketball coach, Bernie Fine. In case you missed SportsCenter the last few days, Bernie has been accused of molesting two ball boys (not funny) over a 16 month period. Now, I don’t really want to touch on the specifics of the incident, I’d rather talk about the way Syracuse is handling this situation – the exact way that Penn State should have. This is not to the degree of Penn State, but you still have one of the highest profile programs, with one of the most legendary college coaches of all time in the hot seat.
Syracuse and the police have agreed to investigate the matter (which has been investigated prior to this incident in ‘05), and has done the right thing by releasing a statement saying, “There should never be a rush to judgment when someone’s personal integrity and career are on the line.”
Now, what I find best about this is the direct action the university is taking, not just from administration, but from Beiheim himself. On ESPN, Beiheim said that it is a “bunch of a thousand lies …You don’t think it is a little funny that his cousin (relative) is coming forward? 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.”
Honestly, Beheim is a flat out G. This guy came out, defended his assistant head coach with facts and with fury, and took a stance. Something that Joe Pa failed to do.
Now, if real evidence surfaces, not only do I look like a dumbass, but we may have lost two of the most legendary coaches in collegiate history in a month span. I guess that would be payback for ‘Cuse leaving the big east.