Syracuse, NY

Syracuse assistant basketball coach Bernie Fine has been fired amid the child molestation allegations that continue to swirl around him.

Fine continues to deny the allegations of the two former ball boys, now adults, even as another accuser has come into the picture.

The program's head coach, Jim Boeheim, who initially vehemently denied the charges is now backing off a bit from his support of the long-time assistant.

"The allegations that have come forth today are disturbing and deeply troubling. I am personally very shocked because I have never witnessed any of the activities that have been alleged," said Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim in a statement.

"I believe the university took the appropriate step tonight. What is most important is that this matter be fully investigated and that anyone with information be supported to come forward so that the truth can be found. I deeply regret any statements I made that might have inhibited that from occurring or been insensitive to victims of abuse."

Syracuse chancellor Nancy Cantor issued the following statement, in part, on a web posting.

Tonight, in the wake of troubling new allegations that emerged in the media today, I am writing to let you know that Bernie Fine's employment at the University has been terminated effective immediately.

"... Frankly, the events of the past week have shaken us all. The taped phone call that ESPN revealed today was not provided to the university by Mr. Davis during the 2005 investigation by our legal counsel. Like the media review of the case a few years earlier, no other witnesses came forward during the university investigation, and those who felt they knew Bernie best could not imagine what has unfolded...."

Twitter: @ihavenet

Copyright © 2011 AHN. All rights reserved