Assistant coach fired following sexual abuse allegations
Bernie Fine’s 35 year stint as an assistant coach for his alma mater’s basketball team has come to a close amid accusations of sexual abuse. His termination was announced Sunday night, says Fox News.
On Sunday night, Syracuse Chancellor Nancy Cantor sent a mass e-mail to students, staff, and faculty regarding Fine’s termination, saying that the allegations have “shaken us all.”
Zach Tomaselli, a 23-year-old from Lewiston, Maine, is the third and most recent alleged victim to come forward with claims that he was molested by Fine. Tomaselli says Fine abused him in 2002 in a Pittsburgh hotel room the night before Syracuse’s game against the University of Pittsburgh.
Tomaselli is reportedly facing charges involving sexual abuse of a 14-year-old boy in Maine, and Fred Tomaselli, Zach’s estranged father, claims his son is lying.
39-year-old Bobby Davis was once a ball boy for Syracuse, and claims Fine abused him over the span of several years in the 1980s. His stepbrother, 45-year old Mike Lang, says that he was also abused by the assistant coach. Fine has denied all accusations.
On Friday, police searched Fine’s home for several hours. The U.S. Secret Service, Syracuse Police, and New York State Police were all present.
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