Syracuse (WSYR-TV) - The main accuser of former Syracuse University basketball assistant Bernie Fine has revealed new allegations, this time regarding the disgraced coach’s wife.
In court papers, Bobby Davis says Laurie Fine had sex with men’s basketball players. The affidavit - filed in New York City – contains lurid details regarding her relationships with players.
Davis claims several people who associated with the Orange program knew about Laurie Fine’s relationships with players – including Bernie Fine. The affidavit is part of the defamation suit Davis and his step-brother – Mike Lang – have leveled against Jim Boeheim and SU.
Attorney Gloria Allred is building a case that there was a lot going on that Boeheim should have known about or did know about – especially because Davis says it was so widely discussed among the players. He says the Hall of Fame coach either deliberately ignored the situation or chose not to intervene.
According to Davis, the situation was common knowledge among the players and a routine source of jokes.
Considering Bernie Fine knew about it, Davis said he finds it impossible to believe that Boeheim did not.
"This is both desperate and disgusting,” said Laurie Fine’s attorney, Ed Menkin. “It’s an example of irresponsible and unprofessional lawyering. It’s a lawyer flailing about to keep alive a dying lawsuit.”
A week after the Onondaga County District Attorney ruled on a statute of limitations was preventing criminal charges against Bernie Fine, Davis and Lang filed their civil suit. They claim Boeheim defamed them by calling them liars and out for money immediately after the story of their allegations first aired on ESPN. Boeheim later distanced himself from the comments as more information surfaced. The information included a devastating recorded telephone conversation between Laurie Fine and Davis that suggested she was aware a sexually abusive relationship had existed between her husband and the ball boy.
“There is no point to this…no point,” Menkin said. “The affidavit makes reference to another individual’s sexual misconduct...why isn't that person named by Ms. Allred,” Menkin said.
Allred issued a statement to NewsChannel 9 saying that if the allegations are true, the university must explain how it could have been taking place for years right under Boeheim’s nose without him acting on it.
Menkin said he has not discussed the allegations with his client.
In an appearance on NewsChannel 9 Sports Director Steve Infanti’s radio show “Upon Further Review,” Boeheim declined to comment on the allegations.
