Syracuse assistant basketball coach Bernie Fine has issued a statement concerning the allegations from a former team ball boy that he was molested by Fine for over a dozen years. Fine's statement says:
Simply put, these allegations are patently false in every aspect. The fact is these initial initial allegations have been thoroughly investigated multiple times. When evaluating the veracity of these accusations, please keep in mind that credible media outlets were approached in the past to publicize these false allegations and declined to do so. I fully cooperated with all past inquires.
Sadly, we live in an allegation-based society and an internet age where in a matter of minutes one's life long reputation can be severely damaged. I am confident that, as in the past, a review of these allegations will be discredited and restore my reputation. I hope the latest review of these allegations will be conducted expeditiously.
Finally, I appreciate the Chancellor’s statement that I should be accorded a fair opportunity to defend myself against these accusations. I fully intend to do so. There should never be a rush to judgment when someone’s personal integrity and career are on the line.