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Bernie Fine Fired By Syracuse; Jim Boeheim Issues Apology For Initial Response

Associate Head Coach Bernie Fine has been fired by Syracuse University after a phone conversation between Fine's wife and accuser Bobby Davis was released to the public.  Head Coach Jim Boeheim has also issued an apology for his initial crass remarks about the accusations.  He wrote, via facebook:
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.
I said it before, and I'll say it again: this investigation is far from over.   At the heart of this scandal is a tragedy involving adults taking advantage of defenseless children.  I urge you to use caution when making allegations, explaining actions, or extrapolating information.  I hope that all is uncovered, culprits are held accountable, victims receive justice, and things return to normal as quickly as humanly possible.  And everyone can go back to hating Syracuse for reasons relating to sports.

(More After the Jump)
Here is what others are saying, but as you will see, few are taking a stance on any side at this point:

Syracuse University fires assistant men's basketball coach Bernie Fine | syracuse.com
"At the direction of Chancellor (Nancy) Cantor, Bernie Fine’s employment with Syracuse University has been terminated, effective immediately."

Bernie Fine Fired By Syracuse University - Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician
It's a move surprising to just about no one at this point. It was already clear that Fine would never coach at SU again. It was just a matter of whether or not the evidence necessitated it to happen sooner than later. And necessitate it did.

Twist in abuse case puts Boeheim on hot seat - College Basketball - Rivals.com
Boeheim set this game up in the court of public opinion, where his voice carries considerable power. Now as the questions mount, he can’t change the rules. What does he say about Bernie Fine now? What’s his explanation for all of this?

Ballin' is a Habit: Recapping what's happened at Syracuse today
Its been said before and will be said over and over again in the coming week, but this situation is different that what occurred at Penn State. I doubt that Boeheim will be fired as a result of it, but I do think that today's events will make it significantly less likely that Boeheim will ever coach in the ACC.

UPDATE: Gregg Doyel takes a stand; wants Boeheim fired:

 

Boeheim's statements go too far and should cost him his job - NCAA Division I Mens Basketball - CBSSports.com
Boeheim is the most powerful, most popular man in Syracuse. And for that guy, in that town, to ridicule Fine's accusers as liars and opportunists -- as deceitful frauds looking to make a quick buck -- Boeheim laid down a very public gantlet to anyone else who might have been interested in telling the police they were molested by Fine: Come after Fine, and you're crossing me. That's what Boeheim was saying on Nov. 18. Whether it was intentional, whether he even knew what he was doing, isn't the point. The point is, that's what he did on Nov. 18. And that's not the kind of mistake that Syracuse University can look back on and say, "Oh well. Nobody's perfect."