Syracuse basketball: Jim Boeheim must go
Jim Boeheim has reversed field. Gone from calling Bernie Fine’s accusers “liars” to issuing a statement saying he’s “shocked” at the most recent revelations about his Syracuse assistant coach and supporting the school’s decision to fire Fine.
It’s not enough. Syracuse must fire Boeheim, too.
The most striking thing about the Fine story 11 days ago was Boeheim’s defiant support of Fine. There was no way Boeheim could know if Fine was innocent. Boeheim could know if Fine was guilty, but not innocent. Boeheim’s response victimized the accusers all over again.
I have no idea what Boeheim knew or when he knew it. I have no idea if Boeheim should have known. This doesn’t necessarily have to be another Penn State, in terms of a 10-year coverup.
My problem is completely with Boeheim’s reaction. Especially in the wake of Penn State. Boeheim mentioned that his “liars” comment might have been “insensitive.” No kidding. How could anyone in Boeheim’s position react initially the way he did? How could Boeheim display that much anger, unless it was totally to protect his program?
That was a startling lack of leadership and wisdom and decision-making by Boeheim.
My boss used to work in Utica, N.Y., and says Boeheim is the most well-known figure in upstate New York. More famous than the governor. With that kind of status comes responsibility. Boeheim packs a punch with his words. His initial response to the story was very telling.
Boeheim wasn’t interested in the truth. He was interested in program protection. And that DOES smack of Penn State. I don’t think Syracuse can keep Jim Boeheim as basketball coach.
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