Just last month, Joe Paterno took the fall at Penn State. Although it seems right now that Paterno knew a lot more than Boeheim does, the alleged abuse did in fact happen on Boeheim's watch, as he reiterated in a press conference earlier this week.
That Boeheim was unaware of the happenings is not an excuse—his job is to be aware.
Don't wait to be fired, Coach Boeheim, just walk away.
Boeheim made a statement to the media during his post-game press conference Friday night after the Orange's tight win over the Florida Gators in the Big East-SEC Challenge.
Boeheim made sure to apologize for how insensitive his remarks were concerning the issue of child abuse and those who have been victimized.
It might be a little late for that apology. The damage has been done.
The fact that Boeheim recently visited a child advocacy center to learn more and to offer his support does little to help the victims or his image in the eyes of intelligent college hoops fans.
He called the accusations "a bunch of a thousand lies" not long after they were made against his longtime friend and assistant Bernie Fine.
Regardless of loyalties owed, that statement was a bad ethical decision on Boeheim's part.
We just watched an entire program fall to the ground in one week's time at Penn State last month, and now it seems Syracuse will take a hit after the emerging details of the case and the allegations against Fine.
Boeheim gave himself little room for error with the way he handled the initial allegations against his friend. Although he was sticking up for him, he showed little sympathy for the victims and their stories.
Boeheim is an extraordinary basketball coach, but there should and will be consequences for what allegedly went on at Syracuse—and that should include the departure of the head coach.
One bad apple can spoil the bunch, and the behavior Fine is accused of has spoiled a coaching legend's image.
Boeheim's next statement at the podium should be him announcing his resignation from the program. Love him or hate him, it's the best move for Boeheim and for the university.
