SYRACUSE, N.Y. (AP) — Lawyers for two former Syracuse University ball boys say head basketball coach Jim Boeheim not only defamed their clients but also helped intimidate other people from coming forward when he called the men opportunistic liars for accusing an assistant of child sexual abuse.
They make the arguments in court papers opposing motions by Boeheim and the university to dismiss a lawsuit filed by Bobby Davis and Michael Lang after Boeheim contested their claims they were abused by former assistant coach Bernie Fine.
The defendants say Boeheim was expressing constitutionally protected opinions laced with “rhetoric and hyperbole.”
But the response filed Wednesday claims he made demonstrably false statements to discredit the men.
The dismissal motion is set to be argued April 27. Fine has denied wrongdoing and hasn’t been charged.
