Apologizes to victims who have made claims of abuse
Away from the game, away from the court and away from his longtime friend and assistant coach tonight Jim Boeheim said his Act of Contrition. The weight of fifteen days of grinding, anxious developments had brought the Hall of Famer to this moment. His voice was low. His sighs were heavy. His sarcasm and defiance set aside.
Jim Boeheim said, "I am really sorry." He appeared genuine as he shared his regret over attacking the claims expressed by the victims and their motives in the case that has led to the investigation of a man he has known for fifty years longtime assistant coach Bernie Fine. The coach of the third ranked undefeated Syracuse Orange made it clear his days and nights have been filled with everything but basketball of late.
The public has witnessed his progression through phases similar to the five stages of grief. Denial: his initial comments on November 17th to print reporters calling the accusers liars who were out for money. Anger: lashing out at reporters at the first post-game conference after playing Colgate. Bargaining: the day of the tape and the firing of Fine he said he supported the university's move. Depression: we can only imagine the thoughts privately held. Acceptance: where the man, husband and father arrived tonight vowing to help fight child sexual abuse.
Jim Boeheim is not alone in his range of reaction to news that someone close to him might be an abuser. Julie Cecile, Executive Director of the McMahon/Ryan Child Advocacy Center said on their website, "In Jim's initial reaction to the Bernie Fine investigation, we see the same shock from him, that we see everyday among family members and friends at our Child Advocacy Center when allegations of child abuse are first made. We believe this community crisis can help us turn this into a teachable moment for all."
There are numerous investigations underway that we hope will find what happened between Bernie Fine and his accusers. We also await answers as to why investigators did not get to the bottom of these accusations years ago.
This night will long be remembered as one where a proud man spoke volumes by saying he was sorry... And meaning it.
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