SYRACUSE, N.Y. (AP) — Syracuse men’s basketball coach Jim Boeheim (BAY’-hym) says that “what happened on my watch” will be revealed once police complete their inquiry into child molestation accusations against his former longtime assistant.
In his first comments since longtime assistant Bernie Fine was fired, Boeheim says he has “never worried about my job status in 36 years.” Then he added: “I do my job. What happened on my watch, we will see. When the investigation is done, we will find out what happened on my watch.
Advocates for sex abuse victims said Boeheim should resign or be fired for adamantly defending Fine and verbally disparaging two former Syracuse ballboys who accused Fine of molesting them.
He said he didn’t regret backing Fine when the allegations were first made public. Having known Fine for 48 years, Boeheim said he was just trying to be loyal to him.
Syracuse University Chancellor Nancy Cantor has given Boeheim a vote of confidence.
Boeheim was greeted with a standing ovation from the crowd of 16,649 at the Carrier Dome where the fourth-ranked Orange walloped Eastern Michigan 84-48. James Southerland scored 19 points to match his career high as the Orange improved their record to 7-0.
Source: Associated Press
