Syracuse NY DA Video: Watch DA Defend Boeheim and Cantor's Actions in Fine Case

It appears Bernie Fine may escape without criminal charges, at least on the state level.

As seen in the video above, Onondaga County (NY) District Attorney William Fitzpatrick spoke on Wednesday regarding the Fine Case and the Syracuse "scandal." I add quotations there because Fitzpatrick wanted to make it clear that the occurrences at Syracuse did not constitute use of that term.

He also wanted to clear any relation or alleged similarities with the Penn State situation. Well, Mr. Fitzpatrick, no matter how you attempt to drive a stake between Syracuse and Penn State, the separation will rarely be made by anyone.

Are there fundamental differences in both the university and head coaches' actions? Absolutely. Do I believe that Jim Boeheim is in better touch with reality than Joe Paterno? Another ringing affirmative. But what is similar is an alleged abuse of power that allegedly led to the sexual assault and abuse of children.

That is the bottom line and the most important aspect of both ordeals. Whether Jim Boeheim or Nancy Cantor should be fired is really up to the university and its approach to restoring the institution's pristine credibility.

It is clear, Fitzpatrick does not want that to happen. He admits there was an improper investigation conducted into the allegations. That said, whether her intentions were good or bad, that seems to fall on Chancellor Cantor.

It would also seem that, if the university is attempting to show complete and thorough dealings with this situation, Jim Boeheim could also feel the wrath of what was allegedly the horrible actions of Fine.

Accuser Bobby Davis has been deemed credible by Fitzpatrick in his allegations against Fine, but Davis has also said that Boeheim saw him lying in Bernie Fine's bed in a hotel room.

If Davis is credible for the original allegation, is he not credible for that one? Therein lies another similarity to Penn State. The community and its officials and authorities seem to have a ridiculously strong commitment to protecting the legendary coaching figures at their institutions.

These alleged allegiances could have played a part in the abuse of children. As much as Fitzpatrick would like us to ignore the similarities, they are there.