Jim Boeheim On Syracuse Molestation Investigation: "I'm Not Joe Paterno"

Syracuse men's basketball Jim Boeheim had some strong words for the media on Friday night, defending himself, and his accused assistant Bernie Fine. An investigation into Fine's possible molestation of a Syracuse ball boy was initiated this week after ESPN reported the accusations, with a second source corroborating the claim. In the wake of the Jerry Sandusky case, and subsequent Joe Paterno firing, some have tried to draw parallels between the two cases. Boeheim, however, strongly disagrees and issued a stern statement which included a couple direct shots at Paterno and Penn State.

Via Bud Poliquin of the Syracuse Post-Standard:

"I can't support a friend of 50 years? I hope that's not the case. Some people have said that if these allegations are true, I should be fired. Why? Because Bernie Fine is my friend and I support him? I don't have any reason not to.

I'm not Joe Paterno. Somebody didn't come and tell me Bernie Fine did something and I'm hiding it. I know nothing."

Boeheim does not mince words - the distinction he draws is direct and unmistakable, but it certainly won't sit well with Paterno supporters.

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