Sex-abuse case against Syracuse’s Fine is dropped

— Federal authorities have dropped their investigation into sexual abuse claims that cost a Syracuse University assistant basketball coach his job, threw a top-ranked team into turmoil and threatened the career of Hall of Fame coach Jim Boeheim.

After a probe spanning nearly a year, U.S. Attorney Richard Hartunian said Friday that there was no evidence to support claims that Bernie Fine had molested a boy in 2002 in a Pittsburgh hotel room.

“The nature and seriousness of these allegations, which involved conduct typically committed in private with individuals who are reluctant to come forward, warranted a thorough federal investigation,” Hartunian said.

Fine’s lawyer did not immediately return a call seeking comment. It wasn’t clear yet whether Fine, 66, could get his job back.

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