SYRACUSE -- A judge has reserved decision on whether to move the slander case brought by two former ball boys against Syracuse University and head basketball coach Jim Boeheim to Syracuse from a New York City court.
Bobby Davis and Mike Lang, two former Syracuse ball boys, are suing Boeheim for defamation. They say Boeheim defamed them when he accused them of lying when they said they were sexually abused by former SU assistant coach Bernie Fine in November.
Lawyers for Davis and Lang filled the defamation lawsuit in New York City. Boeheim’s lawyers then requested a change of venue to move the lawsuit to Syracuse.
Attorneys for Davis and Lang asked Onondaga County Justice Brian DeJoseph to allow the defamation lawsuit against Boeheim to proceed in New York City. Maryann Wang argued before the judge that Boeheim and Syracuse University are so pervasive and lauded in the Central New York community that her clients would not get a fair hearing.
Lawyers for Syracuse University replied by pointing out that plenty of people in Central New York are critical of Jim Boeheim. Syracuse University attorney's wouldn't comment on why Boeheim would be criticized when asked outside of the courtroom.
Wang made a point of referring to the Jerry Sandsuky case out of State College, PA. Sandusky's lawyers attempted to change the location of his case, but were denied the request.
Lawyers for Boeheim did not make oral arguments. They stood behind Syracuse University's statements.
After about twenty minutes of arguments, Justice DeJoseph closed the hearing and reserved the decision for now.
Justice DeJoseph says the decision is expected by the close of business Wednesday.
Fine hasn't been charged.
(Information from the Associated Press was used in this report.)
