Former ball boys speak about alleged SU abuse

SYRACUSE, N.Y. (WIVB) - Another powerhouse sports program is the focus of a disturbing investigation. A longtime assistant basketball coach at Syracuse University stands accused of molesting young boys.

Two former ball boys for the men's basketball team have charged assistant coach Bernie Fine sexually molesting them more than 20 years ago. As a result, Syracuse officials have placed Fine on administrative leave pending an investigation.

Fine is accused of inappropriate behavior with two former ball boys back in the 80's and 90's at his home and on campus. Both of the accusers are now adult men and were interviewed by ESPN.

Bobby Davis said, "If I had shorts on, he would start rubbing my leg. He would sit next to me and rub my leg, and then just gradually put his hand down my pants."

The other accuser is Bobby Davis's older stepbrother, Mike Lang, who told ESPN Fine molested him 15-to-20 times.

Lang said, "I didn't feel right about it, and I told him, "Bernie please don't do that to me", and then he would do it again and again. Just made you feel odd."

Syracuse Hall of Famer and retired professional wrestler Dick Beyer, known in the ring as "The Destroyer," knows Bernie Fine. In fact, both men are member's of SU's honorary fraternity Phi Kappa Alpha, which Fine, with the mustache, is president of.

"There would not be another guy who has done as much for Syracuse, and Syracuse men's program, basketball-wise. He has been there, as basketball coach, since the 60's," said Beyer.

Syracuse University officials conducted an extensive investigation into Bobby Davis's charges back in 2005 following a probe by Syracuse police and closed the case. It's the new allegations from Mike Lang that prompted officials to re-open the investigation.

Beyer said, "Bernie is a great guy. I can't believe that somebody would come out, or even think that he would have something to do like this."

Syracuse's legendary head basketball coach Jim Boeheim has come out in defense of his longtime assistant. Boeheim says Davis provided officials with the name of four people who could corroborate his charges, and none of them did, back in 2005. Boeheim called Davis a liar.