Syracuse has elevated former star Gerry McNamara to the coaching staff while associate head coach Bernie Fine is on administrative leave, head coach Jim Boeheim announced Friday.
McNamara, who was a member of Syracuse’s 2003 NCAA Championship squad, was a four-year starter for the Orange. He is still the school’s career leader in three-point field goals and accumulated 2,099 points in his career. After pursuing a professional basketball career, McNamara returned to Syracuse to begin work on a master’s degree in 2009. He has served as a graduate manager with the basketball program.
In the meantime, Fine issued a statement regarding the accusations of sexual molestation against two former Syracuse ball boys.
“Simply put, these allegations are patently false in every aspect. The fact is these allegations have been thoroughly investigated multiple times. When evaluating the veracity of these accusations, please keep in mind that credible media outlets were approached in the past to publicize these false allegations and declined to do so. I fully cooperated with all past inquires.
“Sadly, we live in an allegation-based society and an internet age where in a matter of minutes one’s life long reputation can be severely damaged. I am confident that, as in the past, a review of these allegations will be discredited and restore my reputation. I hope the latest review of these allegations will be conducted expeditiously.
“Finally, I appreciate the Chancellor’s statement that I should be accorded a fair opportunity to defend myself against these accusations. I fully intend to do so. There should never be a rush to judgment when someone’s personal integrity and career are on the line.”
