In Syracuse, the focus on this college basketball Saturday wasn’t hoops but scandal. Playing for the first time since Jim Boeheim‘s top assistant Bernie Fine was accused of child sex abuse, #5 Syracuse destroyed Colgate 92-47.
Normally, a Big East traditional power trouncing a low-major cupcake in the early season is not big news, but today it is.
From the AP:
Syracuse placed Fine on administrative leave “in light of the new allegations” that he molested two former ball boys for years. City police are investigating, while Fine has dismissed the allegations as “patently false,” expressing confidence that he will be vindicated.
Fine’s usual seat by Boeheim was left vacant. This is Fine’s 36th season working for the head coach.
Just as he did on Thursday night, Boeheim vigorously defended his right hand man, Bernie Fine.
“I’ve been friends for 50 years with coach Fine,” he said. “That buys a lot of loyalty for me, and should.”
He also talked about making sure the focus was on the season, on the court, not the allegations.
“These players had nothing to do with anything,” Boeheim said. “The coaching staff has to focus on these players, what they need from us, and that’s what we’re going to do.”
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