Syracuse University has fired long-time assistant basketball coach Bernie Fine amid new allegations of sexual abuse. A third alleged victim has come forward saying that he too was abused by Fine. His claims, however, are being refuted by his own father, who says the allegations are fabricated.
The story broke after the release of a phone call reportedly taped between Bobby Davis, the former ball boy who first came forward with claims of abuse, and Laurie Fine, Coach Bernie Fine’s wife. According to ESPN, the call took place in 2002. The two spoke in detail about alleged abuses. Davis gave the tape to ESPN and The Post-Standard newspaper in Syracuse, but neither outlet released the tape until this past weekend.
In an exclusive interview, HLN's Jane Velez-Mitchell spoke with Debbie Gaetano, long-time friend of Laurie and Bernie Fine. She says she has known the couple for 40 years and doesn’t believe the accusations, calling Bernie Fine is a good person. When asked if she would leave her kids alone with Bernie Fine, Gaetano says has and would do it again.
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