Davis and Lang file defamation appeal

Syracuse (WSYR-TV) – Two men whose defamation case against Syracuse University men’s basketball coach Jim Boeheim was dismissed last week have now filed an appeal.

When they initially told ESPN that former SU men’s basketball assistant coach Bernie Fine had molested them as ball boys, Boeheim called Bobby Davis and Mike Lang “liars" who were "out for money."

Last week, their case was dismissed in a ruling by Judge Brian DeJoseph. The judge said that Boeheim’s comments were opinion and therefore protected against legal action.

Davis and Lang's attorney, Gloria Allred, vowed to fight the ruling in a written statement sent to NewsChannel 9:

When Bobby Davis came forward years ago and complained about sexual abuse he was ignored. When the allegations were made public he was attacked. It is difficult enough for victims of childhood sexual abuse to come forward. This decision sends the message that you can attack the alleged victim and call him a liar with impunity. It makes it even harder for victims to come forward. We will file an appeal and continue to fight.

NewsChannel 9 reached out to Allred for comment on the legal underpinning of the appeal and she replied "no comment" in an email.