On Sunday evening, Syracuse fired Bernie Fine from his position on the coaching staff of the men's basketball team. Fine is currently under investigation for child molestation.
The Senior Vice President for Public Affairs at Syracuse University Kevin Quinn released a statement:
"At the direction of Chancellor Cantor, Bernie Fine’s employment with Syracuse University has been terminated, effective immediately."
Fine had been placed on administrative leave shortly after allegations against him by two former Syracuse ball boys became public during an episode of ESPN's "Outside The Lines" program.
Fine's firing comes hours after a subsequent episode of "Outside The Lines" which included phone conversations supposedly recorded between Fine's wife, Laurie, and one of the alleged victims, Bobby Davis. According to the recordings played by ESPN, Laurie Fine was aware of the abuse occurring within her home and openly discussed it with Davis.
Fine had been an assistant under head basketball Jim Boeheim for 35 years. When the allegations became public, Boeheim vehemently defended his longtime colleague. Shortly after the firing, Boeheim released a statement:
"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."