Bernie Fine Scandal: Jim Boeheim's Extortion Claims Take Fine Defense Too Far

Syracuse head coach Jim Boeheim isn't believing the molestation allegations against Bernie Fine for a second. While the public may remain uncertain as to how true the allegations are, Boeheim accuses the victim of attempting to gain money by lying about molestation charges in light of the Penn State scandal.

Many coaches would shy away from calling coming out and calling a perceived victim a liar, but Boeheim believes he's got the accusers motives all figured out, saying,

"

The Penn State thing came out and the kid behind this is trying to get money. He's tried before. And now he's trying again. If he gets this, he's going to sue the university and Bernie. What do you think is going to happen at Penn State? You know how much money is going to be involved in civil suits? I'd say about $50 million. That's what this is about. Money.

"

Nobody wants to see the Penn State scandal spark a molestation accusation frenzy if the claims are unwarranted, but completely writing off the claims, as Boeheim is, will land him in extremely hot water if anything comes of this investigation.

It's unclear at this point who is telling the truth, but if the former ball boy's claims end up holding any sort of merit, these remarks from Boeheim are going to appear unbelievably insensitive.

With so many people showing such strong support for the Penn State victims and asking others who are affected to step forward, Boeheim is really putting himself out there by calling the accuser a money-seeking liar.

The claims of extortion go too far. Even if Boeheim believes that is the only logical explanation, he's gone beyond supporting his assistant and has officially crossed the line.

Boeheim has now jumped in the fire with his assistant. He doesn't benefit whatsoever from doing so, and the backlash he receives is justified, whether or not he turns out to be correct.