Syracuse puts Fine on leave for police inquiry

SYRACUSE, N.Y. (AP) — Syracuse University has placed longtime assistant basketball coach Bernie Fine on administrative leave “in light of the new allegations and the Syracuse City Police investigation.”

ESPN is reporting that police are investigating Fine on allegations of child molestation.

The investigation comes nearly two weeks after Penn State was devastated by a child sex-abuse case in which former defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky is accused of sexual abuse involving eight boys over 15 years.

Sgt. Tom Connellan tells the Syracuse Post-Standard that police received information on the case Thursday and “are in the early stages of an investigation.”

ESPN first reported the allegations, saying Fine is accused of molesting a former Syracuse ball boy, who is now 39. The alleged victim told ESPN the abuse occurred at Fine’s home, at Syracuse basketball facilities and on team road trips, including the 1987 Final Four.

Fine is in his 35th season as an assistant to Syracuse basketball coach Jim Boeheim. After a reporter knocked on the doors of the homes of Fine and Boeheim, he was told neither was home.

Kevin Quinn, Syracuse’s senior vice president for public affairs, announced the move in a statement Thursday night. He says the university will cooperate fully with the investigation.